Families Upon Thames Sept-Oct 2012

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upon Thames

September/October 2012 Issue 84

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Education Focus Clubs, Classes and Activities

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Cobham 01932 500 265 Hampton 020 8979 7117 Walton 01932 252 033 01/08/2012 13:28

September-October 2012

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This issue is so full that, as you can see, there is almost no room for me to say anything at al! So let me keep this brief and just say that I hope you enjoy our inaugural Education Focus which I intend to feature in the magazine 3 times per year from now on. The “back to school” time of year means a return to routine and to childrens’ weekend and after school activities. We hope you find everything you need to know about activities, classes and clubs in the local area in our comprehensive activities feature and listings.

Linda Stone Editor WITH THANKS TO ST JAMES SENIOR BOYS SCHOOL FOR OUR COVER IMAGE PAGE 5 CREDITS Also with thanks to Halliford School, Staines Prep School, St James Senior Boys, Claremont Fan Court School, Jack and Jill School, Newland House School, The Mall School and Athelstan House School for the images that make up the cover of our Education Focus.

LINDA STONE, editor m: 07530 283330 t: 020 8241 0423 e: editor@familiesuponthames.co.uk www.familiesuponthames.co.uk Follow us on Twitter now

@FamiliesuponT

Find us and like us on Facebook Facebook.com/familiesuponthames

September-October 2012

4 5 6 7 8

Just for You: Rediscover your Personal Style Education Focus Schools News Part 1 Writing For A Purpose Educating Boys What Are You Doing After School?

10 Schools News Part 2 11 Mrs Papirnik’s Legacy 13 Education is the Key to Wellbeing 14 Awaken Your Child’s Interest in Reading 15 How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Private Tuition?

Support Your Child’s Education With Online Teaching Resources Open Day Listings Autumn Term

16 17 18 20 21 22 26 29 30 31 32

Saving For Your Child’s Education Clubs, Classes & Activities Babies, Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers Primary Choices Betwixt and Be “Tweens” Feel Like Dancing?

Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings Choosing Appropriate Pregnancy Care Moving to the Next Room at Nursery Parties: Home Shopping Parties Directory What’s On

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

3

Just for you!

Rediscover your personal style!

Louise Nunn offers expert advice

It can be difficult to rediscover a sense of style after having children.

Although there are fantastic ranges of maternity wear available, when it comes to clothing for mums, it’s often not quite so easy to find stylish and practical options. In the early days, feeding a baby on demand also poses a real challenge to dressing well.

After pregnancy, the body-shape changes too, leaving many mothers dealing with what can best be described as “jelly belly.” Don’t pressurize yourself to lose weight (especially when breastfeeding) and remember those airbrushed photos of celebs, prancing around in bikinis 5 minutes after birth, are not the norm.

Be patient and try some of these tricks to make the most of your figure during this transitional period: 1. Expect to still be wearing your maternity clothes for at least a month after birth. Select pieces that fitted you at around months 5 or 6 of pregnancy.

Maternity jeans are great, as they don’t dig into your tummy.

2. Look for ruching, pleating and draping around the bust and waist to camouflage the tummy. The excess fabric in the cut of these garments creates the illusion of a flat stomach, whilst the detail enhances curves and distracts the eye from the midriff.

Empire-line tops that skim over the waist are also great.

3. Avoid bulky fabrics, and tops in lightweight cottons that billow and can make you look bigger.

4. Use a bump or maternity band. Also excellent for breastfeeding, these are wide, seamless pieces of stretchy material which, when worn around the hips, hide the tummy and create a

layering effect that enables you to wear normal length tops.

5. Ignore clothes sizes. Clothes should gently skim the figure, rather than cling and squeeze in all the wrong places.

Once you’re shedding your baby weight, you may want to establish a casual wardrobe that is stylish, comfortable and not phenomenally expensive. If you’ve always worn formal clothes at work it can be tricky to find your style once you are at home.

Here’s how to create a flattering wardrobe: 1. Select patterns: they are brilliant at disguising all manner of baby/toddler stains. If you use the placement of details and patterns carefully, you can also control where other people’s attention will be focused. Using a pattern that cuts vertically down the centre of the torso breaks up the volume of tummy and can perfectly disguise a post-baby bulge.

2. Avoid dry clean only - suffice to say, your entire ‘mummy’ wardrobe should be machine washable.

3. Invest in at least 2 pairs of jeans. The staple of any busy mum, jeans are easy to throw on and don’t need washing too often! Look for mid-rise styles, dark denim/black, straight leg, with big pockets on the bum as these tend to be the most flattering.

4. Dark colours such as navy, black, brown and dark grey are slimming (especially on the hips), but be careful with black close to your face, as it can make you look PP_FFF_fly_1_06_12.pdf more tired than you already are!

5. Accessories are the key to looking “put-together,” rather than “thrown together.” Add detail, personality and interest to your outfit, and use them as tools e.g. longer necklaces which end at or below your cleavage are elongating, making you look slimmer and drawing attention away from your midriff.

Inexpensive bangles, shoes, and bags can update your look instantly. If necklaces are a no-go with your toddler, a long patterned scarf is a failsafe accessory that adds an instant pop of colour to a plain top.

6. Choose a fitted blazer rather than a baggy jacket. Blazers are adaptable, bang on trend, and the tailoring helps define your waist (even when worn open), enhancing your curves but making you look slimmer at the same time.

7. Wear makeup. A flash of lip colour and a sweep of blusher in tones that suit your colouring, is every mum’s secret weapon, giving you a confidence boost and helping you look as if you’ve had 8 hours sleep!

8. Book a session with an image consultant and discover a colour palette that’s flattering and helps you look radiant, as well as how to dress perfectly for your shape and style.

extra Louise Nunn is an image consultant and owns and runs the Teddington based company Image Happy.

For information, 1 further 31/05/2012 16:35 visit www.imagehappy.co.uk

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September-October 2012

Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

SCHOOLS NEWS Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

ST JAMES SENIOR BOYS SCHOOL STAINES PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN “TOP 20 IMPROVERS” LIST BUILDS ON ITS SUCCESS St James Senior Boys has had such impressive A-Level results in recent years that the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, reported the school amongst the top 20 improvers in the country on the Government Initiative website.

St James, which concluded its second year in Ashford, TW15 in July, achieved record academic results in 2011 and is now one of the top secondary boys’ schools in the country. It has an enlightened and philosophic approach to education, combined with a selection policy which favours the interview over examination marks.

This, combined with its excellent academic results, puts the school squarely on the shortlist of all discerning parents.

The school has also recently announced the creation of a St James Baccalaureate and is planning that the new qualifica-

Staines Prep, as part of its commitment to striving for excellence, has commissioned new £3m state-of-the-art teaching and performance facilities at its Gresham Road site.

The development, which started in April, will be completed by the end of the year and will provide a new, full-size, bespoke multi-function hall, contemporary changing room and toilet facilities, two large fully-equipped classrooms, which will be used as the School’s new Art, Design & Technology & Science Suites, plus

6 additional standard classrooms with modern, interactive smart-board technology.

The new hall will incorporate a removable divider and retractable seating, allowing greater space for sporting activities, as well as flexibility to stage larger assemblies and enhance school concerts and theatre productions.

The project is synergetic with the School’s ethos and long-term strategy of enhancing its curriculum and providing the widest range of opportunities to its pupils.

For more information, visit www.stainesprep.co.uk

Boys at St James take in the view

tion will be awarded for the first time in the 2012/13 school year.

For more information, visit www.stjamesschools.co.uk

“MORE” FOR THAMES CHRISTIAN COLLEGE Building project at Staines Prep

NEW PRE-NURSERY AND SECOND NURSERY CLASSES AT CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL

Students at Thames Christian College perform in ‘Oliver!’

At the end of last term, pupils from Thames Christian College gave an unforgettable performance of Lionel Bart’s musical “Oliver!” which left a delighted audience calling for “More!”

This was the first time the school had undertaken a whole school drama production and all pupils in years 7, 8, 9 and 10 had a role as an actor, singer, musician or stage hand. In addition to staff and pupils, the musicians in the orchestra included students from the Royal Academy of Music and

the Guildhall School of Music & Drama who are studying to become or starting out as professional musicians.

Drama is an integral part of the curriculum at Thames and an option at GCSE. In addition, pupils may take private Voice and Speech lessons to study for the LAMDA graded Acting Awards, some of which are Level 3 qualifications.

Excellent results have been achieved in the past, with pupils successfully auditioning for the National Youth Theatre.

For more information, visit www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk 6

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Claremont Fan Court School’s Nursery Department is offering new pre-nursery and second nursery classes this term, in response to demand for its excellent facilities and resources and highly qualified and experienced teachers.

The Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School ensures that the beginning of each child’s education is happy and fulfilling. Enthusiasm for

Girl painting at Claremont Nursery

learning is encouraged and values for life are taught with shared aims and aspirations between home and school.

Literacy and numeracy skills are prioritised, whilst each child’s potential in Boys reading at Claremont Nursery creative, sporting and musical activities is also explored. Early Years teachers evaluate individual potential and provide a detailed profile of each child which forms the basis of their future learning.

All prospective families are welcome to visit the school.

For further information, please telephone 01372 463695, email preprep@claremont.surrey.sch.uk or visit www.claremont-school.co.uk September-October 2012

WRITING FOR A PURPOSE How to Foster Good Writing Skills in the Early Years

By Jill Chatt-Collins All children need the best possible start in life. The seeds sown before a child turns 5, form the basis of successful learning in the future, ensuring the child is ready to benefit from the opportunities available in Key Stage 1 and beyond.

Children and adults actively learn best when they are keen to learn and are interested in finding things out for themselves.

In the early years, a child needs to learn to enjoy the process of learning. Play is essential to this.

Through play, children develop curiosity as they experiment, and, through their investigations, feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction as they solve problems, extend their thinking and develop their creativity. Learning through play facilitates implicit learning, where children achieve without realising this is happening, all of which builds confidence and improves self-esteem. Play also fosters imagination and flexibility of mind.

One of the essential skills a child learns at school is how to write. Developing fine motor control is one factor in mastering this skill, but talk is actually the most important precursor to becoming an effective writer.

Before children can write, they need to learn to use spoken language to communicate.

Research shows that those who are able to clarify their thinking verbally, go on to be the most successful writers.

For children to understand how writing communicates

meaning, they also need to learn about the different reasons for writing. All writing that adults do has some kind of purpose and it is important to ensure that children are given purposeful reasons for writing, rather than simply honing their skills through repetition and worksheets. Young children should be encouraged to experiment with letter shapes and forms and to develop the desire and motivation to write. Planning a wide range of engaging opportunities for children to write in meaningful ways in their play, is essential to achieving this.

A child’s earliest attempts at writing are often referred to as “mark making.” At schools such as Athelstan House School, the graphics area used by the under 5s is sited in a prominent location near the imaginative play area, enabling the children to spontaneously include mark making in their play. It is well stocked with all sorts of paper in different sizes, shapes and colours, as well as assorted, ready-made books, envelopes, note pads and diaries.

Alphabet lines and name cards are available to support the children, and they can self-select from an assortment of mark making equipment, including pencils, felt-tip pens, biros, crayons and chalks. There are also clipboards with pencils attached so that children can experiment with mark making in the outdoor classroom or any other area of the setting.

Children will learn more if they are encouraged to write in meaningful situations,

An Athelstan House pupil makes a bed for a teddy and then writes his name on it

so it is important to ‘model’ writing in different scenarios to encourage children to ‘have a go.’ For example, when the role play area is set up as a shop, the practitioner would model writing shopping lists, price tags and signs, then leave the equipment available for the children to make their own. When it is set up as a restaurant, practitioners would model writing menus and taking orders, and, when as a garden centre, instructions for planting a seed or looking after a plant.

Children may also spontaneously choose to write in the context of a game. For example, they may wish to make labels for things they have made or a number plate for a model car. They may want to write a list of names to use as a register when playing ‘schools’, or draw

treasure maps when pretending to be pirates. Whatever the context, it is essential that children have a positive attitude towards writing and that they are given the opportunity to develop the confidence and motivation to experiment for themselves.

Children who are given the opportunities to learn to write through play are more likely to have writing skills that are above the national average by the time they embark on the next stage of their education, at age 7. Certainly this is the case at Athelstan House, where results speak for themselves.

Sources A Place to Learn: Developing a stimulating learning environment, Lewisham Early Years Advice and Resource Network Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage and supporting documentation, DFE

extra

Jill Chatt-Collins is the Deputy Head at Athelstan House School in Hampton. Athelstan House School is a non-selective, independent pre-preparatory school for boys and girls aged 3-7 years.

For more information, 100294_FamiliesonThames_SeptOct_87x85mm :Layout 1 18/07/2012 13: visit www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk

www.thameschristiancollege.org.uk

Thamesbecause small schools build big futures our exceptional independent school for boys and girls

An independent co-educational school for pupils aged 2½ to 18 years

Open Mornings Whole School - 10:00am - 12:30pm Introductory talk 10:00am Saturday 22 September Saturday 13 October Saturday 17 November

Sixth Form Open Evening Thursday 4 October at 6:00pm For further information, tel: 01372 473624 or email: jtilson@claremont.surrey.sch.uk

OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 6th OCTOBER 10.00-1.00 For full list of open mornings, enrolment and fee details contact 020 7228 3933 Thames Christian College, Wye Street, London SW11 2HB

September-October 2012

☛

www.claremont-school.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

Educating Boys

By Sara Cheston

There is a long-standing educational myth that boys do better in the classroom if girls are present to set them a good example. However, a study undertaken by Graham Able from Dulwich College in 2000, looking at the performance of girls and boys in 30 single-sex and co-educational schools in England found that, while both sexes did better in single-sex schools than in co-educational schools, the single-sex advantage was greater for the boys.

music, arts, drama.” Brian Walsh, a and newspaper articles and are more requires much thought. However, it principal at private boys’ schools and enthusiastic about reading electronic is not the only consideration. What is private co-ed schools in New England, most important is that the school you texts. There is some evidence to So why might single-sex observed choose is a good school and that it suggest that boys In boys’ schools, boys feel free USA, schools benefit boys more “Boys who attend boys’ feels right for your child. to be themselves ordinarily do schools may also Sources: Connecting Boys to Schools: than girls? not even try There are biological and neurological do better in terms of maturity and Paper for the White House Conference to sing in a co-ed school, whereas differences between boys and girls social adjustment because they on Helping Americas Youth, Indianapthey love singing in a boys’ school; in that affect the way they develop don’t have to demonstrate their olis, Indiana, 6 June 2006 by Professor the co-ed setting they make fun of intellectually and the way they emerging masculinity and there are Judith Kleinfield; National Association French pronounciation, whereas in the of Single-Sex Public Education, USA learn. Boys mature physically and more diverse male role models. They single-sex setting they enjoy becoming Note 1: This example comes from emotionally later than girls and, on are also free to participate fully in fluent in French.” Whether or not average, are developmentally behind all aspects of the school curriculum.

Leonard Sax, Why Gender Matters, you agree with the academics above, in vocabulary, hearing, fine motor Andrew Hunter, a school principal New York: Broadway Books, 2006, deciding whether you would like a control and concentration when they in the USA who has taught at both pp. 252-253. single-sex education for your child start school. In co-ed and single-sex a boys’ school, Boys mature physically and schools, says “there boys can gain emotionally later than girls is a subtle pressure confidence in toward gender their ability to learn, without being stereotyping in some mixed schools.

Sara Cheston is the bursar at The Mall School in compared to girls who mature more In boys’ schools, boys feel free Twickenham. The Mall is an independent school for boys quickly and tend to enjoy more to be themselves, to follow their age 4 to 13 and the Editor would like to extend thanks to success in school. interests and talents in what might the school for supplying the images for this page. For more Boys are also motivated by be regarded as non-macho pursuits: information about The Mall School, visit www.themallschool.org.uk different things. An ideal learning environment for boys is characterised by a proactive and assertive approach, which avoids the negative or confrontational, conveys high expectations and a sense of challenge and uses praise regularly and consistently. Many boys find sitting still in a classroom and paying

By Linda Stone, Editor attention to someone talking far more difficult than girls. Single-sex Boys ideally need a school culture Homework Club between the hours schools offer excellent opportunities that stresses not only academic of 4pm and 5.15pm. The Homework for putting into practice boy-friendly achievement, the importance of Club is part of the After School Club teaching strategies. Some teachers good human relationships and good and will give students the opportunity in all-boy classrooms, for example, character, but also the importance to spend some focussed time on have removed desks and chairs of outlets for their physical energies homework in a quiet environment altogether because they find young and time for their other interests. At with a senior member of staff. boys learn better when they stand up the Mall Preparatory School in The After School Club will also and move around.1 Twickenham this is recognised and have some exciting new activities Boys are motivated by the idea prioritised. on offer, including judo, karate, clear vision of the future of the of “working hard for the team” Starting this term, older students on-site swimming and possibly school and his long experience and boys’ schools understand the have the option of attending a new basketball. For students interested in within it. Sara Cheston, the importance of developing a team non-sporting pursuits, there are also school bursar, who was appointed ethic within the classroom. Boys clubs for drama and chess. Parents in February 2011, has already are also more likely to respond to have the flexibility to have their child masterminded the creation of a new humour and informality on the part attend Homework Club on some high-spec IT Unit at the school. of both teachers and students and afternoons and undertake activities or The new team are perfectly to teaching methods which identify sport on others. complemented by a loyal, with their interests and enthusiasms, These innovations have been committed group of teachers and without reinforcing stereotypes. introduced by David Price, who was support staff, the majority of which Boys also typically enjoy reading appointed Head of the Mall School have several years of service at the different texts to girls. Research in September 2011, after holding a school. on gender and literacy shows that previous position within the school.

For more information, boys are more inclined to read The students benefit from both his visit www.themallschool.org.uk informational texts and magazine

extra

What are you doing after school?

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

September-October 2012

Alhelstan House School:Layout 1 08/06/2012 08:44 Page 1

ATHELSTAN HOUSE SCHOOL 020 8979 1045 admin@athelstanhouseschool.co.uk 36 Percy Road Hampton Middlesex TW12 2LA

Where each child is special

Nursery & pre-prep school for 3 to 7 years • Nurturing environment where each child is valued for their unique qualities

•

Excellent academic standards and preparation for local preparatory and independent schools

•

Strong emphasis on pastoral care – helping children develop into confident, articulate individuals

•

Small classes, high teacher/pupil ratio

Contact us for an appointment to view the school www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk

Staines Preparatory School

☛

JACK AND JILL SCHOOL “Celebrating childhood through a tradition of excellence” Committed to the highest standards of academic excellence in a warm and happy environment.

IAPS | Founded 1935 | Co-ed | Aged 3 - 11

Excellent destination results at 7+.

ASA awards awards for swimming.

LAMDA speech and language awards.

Recognising each member of the school community as unique, Recognising with talents to develop and valuable contributions to make. with Promoting integrity, kindness and respect for others.

Promoting

New state-of-the-art teaching and performance facilities being built 2012 • High academic standards and results • Nursery provision from rising 3 to 4 years of age • Out of hours childcare facilities

• Wide range of activities • Highly caring environment with excellent facilities • Active Friends’ Association • School bus service • Holiday Club

For assistance with fee planning and other fee information please contact the Bursar. Means-tested bursaries available subject to assessment.

Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex. TW18 2BT Please contact the Registrar at Staines Preparatory School, 3 Gresham Road, Staines, Middlesex.

TW18 2BT | tel: 01784 450909 | email: registrar @ stainesprep.co.uk website: www.stainesprep.co.uk | Registered charity no: 296691

01784 450909 | www.stainesprep.co.uk September-October 2012

Entry Entry to to our our Nursery Nursery from from age 2. Girls only entry into Reception from from age 4.

Extended care with our staff from 8am – 6pm throughout the year.

Extended

OPEN MORNING 13th October 2012 10am – 12.30pm Nursery & Reception 20 First Cross Road, Twickenham, TW2 5QA

Founded in 1951

Years 1 & 2 30 Nightingale Road, Hampton, TW12 3HX

For further information please contact Admissions on: Tel: 0208 898 7310 e-mail: admissions@jackandjillschool.org.uk website: www.jackandjillschool.org.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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SCHOOLS NEWS ATHELSTAN HOUSE ENCOURAGES PHILANTHROPY

Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

HALLIFORD SCHOOL SWINGS IN THE PARK...

In late June, Halliford’s classiest Jazzers and Crooners assembled in Teddington’s ‘Park Lodge Hotel’ for 2 evenings of some of the best swing music from the last century.

This was a “first time event” for the school’s music department, fusing performers from the Halliford Wind Band with a collection of the school’s most talented musicians and singers.

35 students from across Years 7 to 13 participated in 35 songs by artists known from or influenced by the ‘Swing Era’ of the 1930’s and 40’s. Performers and guests helped set the scene in their glamorous frocks and evening

Crooners at Swing Night

dress, set against the backdrop of the Edwardian hotel building.

The feedback from all involved was so positive that the school plans to make ‘Swing Night’ an annual event.

In October, pupils from year 2 at Athelstan House School will visit the Shooting Star Hospice, a charity caring for local families who have a child or teenager with a life-limiting condition. The pupils will tour the facilities, see some of the equipment used by the children the hospice supports and meet some of the care staff who will explain the services they provide.

Athelstan House strongly believes in educating young children about those less fortunate than themselves. It asks parents to support this by sending children to school every Friday with some pennies for the charity pot, with donations going to a

An Athelstan House pupil absorbed in her work

deserving local cause. Children receive a sticker when they donate, which they feel proud to wear. The visit has been arranged with the intention of raising the profile of these weekly donations.

For further information, visit www.hallifordschool.co.uk For further information, visit www.athelstanhouseschool.co.uk

JACK AND JILL SCHOOL COMPLETES

ANOTHER STAGE OF ITS BUILDING PROJECTS Jack and Jill students return to school this term to discover big changes in their learning environment.

At the Hampton site, the first floor of the old school building has been completely gutted and transformed into light, roomy, “clean lined” classrooms, forming adjacent teaching areas for each of the Year 2 classes. Removal of beams over the century-old stairwell and the installation of a huge glass viewing panel from one of the classrooms have created a light, spacious and inviting approach to the first floor.

In the Red nursery room annex at the Twickenham site, a room designed for quiet activities, a series of stepped square windows now add light and interest, beautifully complementing the circular

Circular Windows in the Red Nursery

windows so enjoyed by children in the adjoining room. As the first glimpse that any visitor has of the school, this façade is specifically intended to communicate that “this place is different!”

The completion of these renovations marks the end of another phase of Jack and Jills’ building projects.

For further information, visit www.jackandjillschool.co.uk

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Rob’s staff consisted of some Mall staff and young male graduates, who proved to be good mentors and role models for the boys.

The Mall hopes to run the Club on an on-going basis, during the Easter and Summer holidays going forward.

For further information, visit www.themallschool.org.uk One TO One PrivATe TuiTiOn All areas: All subjects: All levels Sybille (KT postcodes) 01372 806780 Andrew (W and SW postcodes) 0208 993 9001 Dermot (TW postcodes) 0208 892 7610 www.homeschooltutoring.co.uk

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The Mall School in Twickenham held its first Holiday Club for Mall pupils during the first 2 weeks of the Summer school holidays this year.

The Holiday Club is another example of the Mall’s holistic approach to catering for the needs of its pupils and their parents.

Students participated in a range of exciting activities, such as riding electric scooters, panning for gold and swimming in the fantastic indoor pool at the school, where they even tried out water zorbing. They also burned off extra energy playing football, and racing around an assault course.

Younger boys enjoyed the train set, painting and making models, lego and riding their tricycles. To celebrate the arrival of the warmer weather the boys made their own coconut ices!

The Club provided age-appropriate activities for boys from 4 to 13 and was managed by Rob Philpott, an experienced Fun

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MRS PAPIRNIK’S LEGACY

Over 60 years ago, an Molly Papirnik enterprising woman, my grandmother, Molly Papirnik, decided the only way to ensure that young children experienced the first stage of their school life in a suitable environment, was to create the environment Jack and Jill School now...... herself!

So, in our family home in Nightingale Road, Hampton, Jack was crucial, as it recognised that and Jill School was created. only in such groups could the My astonished grandfather stood actions of individuals, however by as the dining room, and soon large or small, good or bad, be after, an increasing number of truly recognised and responded rooms in our home, were given to in a way that ensured every over to his wife’s new venture. child quickly realised his/her Mrs Papirnik was passionately individual importance and persuasive in her belief that responsibilities. for young children, a school Hand in hand with the should be a “home from home,” idea of a “home from home” where the physical environment environment, came the notion resembled the family home and in of the School as an extension which interactions between staff of our family. My grandmother and pupil replicated, as closely as treated the children and staff as possible, those that took place in welcome additions to her own a supportive family unit. brood and bestowed upon them When asked the same Mrs Papirnik was passionately privileges and to define persuasive in her belief that for expectations the crucial elements of young children, a school should as she did her educational her own be a “home from home,” concept, my family. They grandmother struggled to find in turn, appeared to feel the precise words to describe honoured to be valued members something that she felt was of a growing community in obvious. She could imagine no which achievements were truly other successful environment celebrated and disappointments for learning than a place where empathetically shared. children and staff were happy When I started spending and industrious, where laughter childhood holidays at my underpinned interactions grandparents’ home, the School between the 2 groups and was already established, so it was where there was a clear sense entirely normal to wake up in the of purpose to everything morning to the sound of musical undertaken, be it creative, assemblies and the school prayer investigative or otherwise: an wafting up the stairs. Highlights environment where everybody of these times include feeling understood what was required of incredibly important ringing the them and gained great satisfacschool bell at the end of play tion from seeing the benefits of time and going to the” cash and their efforts. carry” to influence the choice Mrs Papirnik’s idea of of menus for my grandmother’s education within groups home cooked school meals . replicating the smaller family unit As time passed, I gained my first taste of teaching and enjoyed assisting with the art and craft sessions. In this way, from an early age, I realised the challenge of teaching tasks like sewing, which involved the

By Karen

Jack and Jill School

then...

seemingly trivial, but actually quite confounding, task of threading a needle for multiple children at the same time! I welcomed as an intrinsic part of growing up within the Papirnik family, the responsibility for greeting guests to the annual prize giving ceremony, and writing out both registers and my grandmother’s end of year speech.

My grandmother entrusted me with the School, her most precious creation, on its 40th anniversary. The timing of her decision was, as usual, exactly right. Throughout my childhood she had, at every opportunity, named me as her eventual successor and after some natural rebellion against a future already mapped out for me, including some teaching elsewhere I, too, realised the unique value of being able to “do it yourself” in my grandmother’s way.

Today, Jack and Jill School continues to thrive as one of the very few surviving family-based schools. The family ethos is further enhanced and perpetuated by the active and enthusiastic involvement of my own children, the next generation of the Papirnik family, with my own daughter currently in the position of Head of Nursery.

It’s only when looking back on my childhood that I appreciate the dynamic originality of my grandmother’s character and her unique drive and determination.

She was a lady of immense character. How right and fitting it is that her legacy should continue to nurture and guide future generations of young children to develop and believe in their own character, intrinsic value and abilities.

extra Karen Papirnik is Principal of Jack and Jill School, a nursery and pre-preparatory school for children aged 2 to 7. For more information, please visit www.jackandjillschool.org.uk

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Notre Dame School

Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

Early Years: boys and girls aged 2 - 4

Preparatory: girls aged 4 - 11

Senior: girls aged 11 - 18

Open Day

Sat 6th Oct 9am - 12Noon

Cobham’s World Class Girls’ School from Nursery to University For a personal tour please call Prep - 01932 869991 Senior - 01932 869990 Burwood House, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 1HA headmaster@notredame.co.uk (Prep) headmistress@notredame.co.uk (Senior) www.notredame.co.uk Twitter: @NotreDamePrepUK

12

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September-October 2012

EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO WELLBEING David Alexander tells us why

Newland House pupil playing the cello

The Oxford English Dictionary definition of the word “academic” is “scholarly, as opposed to technical or practical.” Of course, this definition came into existence at a time when education consisted mainly of the learning and repetition of facts. Today, most of us appreciate that the learning and repetition of facts alone is meaningless and that it is the interpretation of those facts and the process of learning that is most important.

about the world to continue asking questions, wondering and investigating during our adult lives? Or do we simply remember the boring monotony of sitting behind a desk waiting for the bell to ring?

With more and more highly qualified graduates leaving formal education and struggling to find employment, parents can be forgiven for thinking their children simply need to be taught to pass examinations, with better and better marks or gain scholarships.

However, it’s important to understand that, in order to pass exams and later have a successful career, children need to enter secondary school as well-rounded individuals, with enquiring minds and a love of learning and the confidence to fulfil their potential.

Throughout the school years, but particularly during the early years, it is important that a child’s strengths, interests and experiences are built on and each pupil is valued for the individual talent and beliefs he or she holds.

The way to ensure this is to open up a child’s world to a broad range of learning experiences as early in life a possible; it means prioritising sport, art and drama in the curriculum, as well as maths and science.

There are opportunities for learning in every new activity and experience.

On the sports field, children learn about leadership and team work. In the choir, they experience the feel of pulse and rhythm in Despite this knowledge, their bodies as well as the harmony children who display interest and created when singing with others. ability in practical and technical Only by recognising the merit subjects are still frequently labelled in and embracing all different as “non-academic” and treated types of learning experience will as if they are not as smart as their our children become curious, “academic” peers. Consider how questioning individuals, embracing the phrase “he works with his opportunities for new stimulation. hands” It means they Consider how the phrase “he works are more likely so often with his hands” often sounds like to discover sounds like an their passions an excuse or an apology excuse in life early, or an apology, and seems to get the most out of education and somehow imply “he’s not very find career direction. smart.” Yet what is a practical This current generation of or technical subject if not the children face so many, often interpretation of facts in its purest meaningless, distractions that can form? prevent them from being truly How many of us can recall more engaged with life and the world than a handful of meaningful around them. Many are “plugged dates from our history lessons? in” from an early age to a range of I suspect very few. What we, electronic devices. They spend a in fact, recall about school was large part of their lives interacting whether we enjoyed it or not. Did with others electronically, rather the process of learning stimulate than face to face. This limits us and make us curious enough their range of communication September-October 2012

skills, their ability to enjoy and no point in a child completing his interpret body language - a smile or her education with a lot of very or the light in someone’s eyes good qualifications, and no social to empathise with other people skills or emotional intelligence. and find Without Having a passion for learning meaningful these, it will will be this generation’s only ways of be hard to resolving adapt to defence against the potential conflict. life in the emptiness of the technological age Being workplace. constantly entertained, they are Having a passion for learning will quite frequently cut off from the be this generation’s only defence experience of simply “being.” against the potential emptiness of This makes it harder for them the technological age. to connect with themselves, to Education is about much more experience their feelings, and to than the ability to pass exams: reflect. it is the route to social, cultural, Education should counteract physical and mental development these negative influences as best it and therefore to the well-being of can. Of course, the technological the individual. benefits of today’s world must not be overlooked but there is simply

extra David Alexander is Headmaster of Newland House School in Twickenham, a co-educational preparatory school, for boys age 4 to 13 and girls age 4 to 11. For more information about Newland House, visit www.newlandhouse.net

☛

Halliford School Shepperton

OPEN DAYS 2012

OPEN MORNING –Saturday 6th October 10am-12noon (HM Presentation at 12noon)

Thursday 15th & Tuesday 20th November Tours 9.30,11.30 & 2.30 by appointment

6th FORM OPEN EVE-Weds 10th Oct - 6.30-8.30pm Please telephone the Registrar for more information: 01932 223593

NEW BUILD MUSIC, ART & 6TH FORM CENTRE NOW OPEN! Tel: 01932 223593 Fax: 01932 229781 Email: registrar@halliford.net www.hallifordschool.co.uk

Halliford School Russell Road Shepperton Middlesex TW17 9HX Registered Charity Number: 312090

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13

Education Focus Autumn 2012 Educating the whole child

Amanda Wright tells us how to

Awaken your child’s interest in reading How do you spend your Thursday afternoons? I’m usually navigating a swirling, whirling snow storm during a bear hunt or searching the deep, dark wood for Gruffalos! No, I’m not a secret agent for fairyland, I’m a professionally trained actress and I use drama and storytelling to engage children with books.

Literacy skills in the UK are at an all-time low, with 1 in 4 children barely able to read at the

end of primary school and thousands of 11 year olds beginning secondary school with a reading age of 7. Education experts are understandably highlighting how important it is to engage children with reading from an early age.

Organisations such as Bookstart suggest making reading a part of a child’s routine from babyhood. Bookstart offers free books to babies and pre-schoolers on the basis that the ‘routine of sharing books, stories, songs and rhymes helps

NEWLAND HOUSE SCHOOL

to build pre-literacy skills.’ Taking children to the library and encouraging them to feel at home around books is also important and local libraries are a great resource, hosting story time sessions for young children and other free literary events.

Professor Barrie Wade and Dr Maggie Moore conducted research on behalf of Bookstart which revealed that children involved in the scheme were significantly ahead of their classmates in reading and number assessments.

But what if you’ve read to your child from an early age, but he or she still shows little interest in books? It’s possible your child needs books presented in a way which suits his or her particular learning style.

Psychologists refer to 4 different types of learning style: Visual – learns through images, likes playing with construction toys e.g. Lego

Kinesthetic – shows you rather than tells you,

ISI Report 2011 “Pupils’ academic and other achievements are excellent.”

Top independent senior schools have awarded twenty-nine scholarships to our pupils this year for music, sport and all-round ability, as well as academic excellence.

PLEASE CALL US FOR A PROSPECTUS AND TO ARRANGE A VISIT

Co-educational preparatory school for children aged 4-13

likes to keep moving Auditory – spells words accurately and easily, often musically talented Logical - thinks conceptually, enjoys puzzles and seeing how things work It’s very difficult to find pre-literacy classes for children that engage all of these learning styles but interactive drama-based storytelling classes can tick all the boxes.

At Storytelling Adventures, activities are used that appeal to all 4 learning styles, as follows: Logical –

children undertake an art or craft activity related to the story Auditory – storyteller reads the story, with children providing sound effects and character voices Visual – images from the book help storyteller and children re-create the world of the book Kinesthetic – finally, storyteller and children ‘jump into’ the story and act it all out Parents frequently report that their children are so excited after a class that the next stop is the library, where they want to borrow the book dramatized in the class and act out the adventure again at home.

extra Waldegrave Park, Twickenham TW1 4TQ Tel: 020 8865 1234 Email: admissions@newlandhouse.net Website: www.newlandhouse.net 14

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Amanda Wright is the director of Bridge Storytelling Adventures and runs classes at Twickenham Library starting on 27th September. For more information, see the listing for Bridge Storytelling Adventures on page 26 or visit www.bridgeac.com September-October 2012

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WITH ONLINE TEACHING RESOURCES The low level of literacy amongst British children has been the subject of many recent media reports and parents are understandably wondering how best to support their child’s learning at home.

One method that supports school learning and is suitable for home educators is Reading Eggs, an online program that can be used on a computer, laptop and most tablets (with an iPad it can be accessed through the free educational app Rover due to flash compatibility).

Designed for 3 to 7 year olds, the program is also suitable for older children struggling with reading and it mirrors school teaching systems by using phonics. The program contains 120 reading lessons which take children with little or no reading experience right the way through to reading books confidently.

The program includes spelling lessons, basic comprehension and grammar, a “story factory” where children can compile their own books, plus educational games and activities to keep children motivated.

For children aged 7 to 13 who are already reading, Reading Eggspress focuses on comprehension and grammar, writing and reading fluency and uses a highly engaging “spinning island” to retain attention. Reading Eggspress contains several learning zones: the Comprehension Gym where lessons are completed, the Library, with over 1000 e-books and the Stadium where children test their comprehension and grammar against the computer or other children.

Parents can undertake an obligation-free trial and choose from 2 subscription packages, plus there is a 50% family discount for any additional children.

All free trials and subscriptions include both Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress.

For further information or to trial the program, visit www.readingeggs.co.uk, click the ‘Parents click here’ button and follow the set up instructions. Once your account has been activated and you have added a child, enter code UKB24UTH.

September-October 2012

How do you know if your child needs private tuition? Alexis Humphreys tells us There are many reasons why parents may want to consider private tuition for their children. Some of the signs that your child could benefit include:

☛ Your child or child’s teacher is concerned

As soon as you identify that your child is struggling in the classroom, a tutor can work with him or her to assess what areas are proving difficult and create a supportive complementary curriculum.

☛ Your child will be sitting exams in the next year and needs extra support

If your child is about to sit exams like SATs or 11+, most tuition providers will be able to coach your child in exam technique and ensure they have revised the necessary core competencies

☛ Your child has been ill or away from school for some time

Extra tuition based on the National Curriculum can help your child to catch up.

☛ Your child is reluctant to tackle new concepts or start new books

This may indicate a lack of confidence within a particular subject. Inclusive tuition centres will be able to create a curriculum that’s designed to boost confidence, and encourage participation in the classroom.

☛ Your child is struggling with homework

This is a strong indication that they are not keeping up with the pace of work in the classroom, or not getting enough time to practice skills before working independently. Tuition centres can provide a relaxed environment for your child to practice key skills with the support of a tutor.

☛ Your child has learning

difficulties and you want long-term support to ensure they keep up in school

Extra tuition can tailor teaching methods and content to your child’s requirements, and ensure they get the most out of their time in the classroom. ☛ You child loves learning and could benefit from extra-stimulation outside of the classroom Tuition can help to ensure children stay engaged with the work they are doing in the classroom by providing a depth of learning only possible in an extra-curricular environment.

extra

Alexis Humphreys works for Explore Learning Tuition Centres which provide tailored packages for children aged 5 to 14.

For more information, visit www.explorelearning.co.uk

OPEN DAY LISTINGS AUTUMN TERM

2012

St James Senior Boys chat

ATHELSTAN HOUSE

Monday, 3 December 9.30am to 11.30am Wednesday, 5 December 9.30am to 11.30am Other viewings by appointment

CLAREMONT FAN COURT SCHOOL

Whole School Open Mornings Saturday, 22 September 10.00am - 12.30pm Saturday, 13 October 10.00am - 12.30pm Saturday, 17 November 10.00am - 12.30pm The introductory talk takes place in the Mansion at 10.00am and a creche is open throughout the morning.

Sixth Form Opening Evening Thursday, 4 October 6.00pm

HALLIFORD SCHOOL

Saturday, 6 October 2012 10.00am – 12.00 noon Headmasters Presentation at 12.00 noon

Girls from Newland House practice limbo dancing

Thursday, 15 November Tours 9.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm by appointment Tuesday, 20 November Tours 9.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm by appointment Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday, 10 October 6.30pm - 8.30pm

NEWLAND HOUSE

Wednesday, 19 September 2.00pm

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL

Saturday, 6 October 9.00am - 12.00pm Personal tours by appointment

STAINES PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Saturday, 13 October 10.00am – 12.00pm Wednesday, 17 October 9.30am – 11.30am Claremont Fan Court pupils chat with a staff member

ST JAMES SENIOR BOYS SCHOOL

Thursday, 8 November 6.00pm - 9.00pm Saturday, 10 November 9.30am - 1.00pm

THAMES VALLEY CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Wednesday, 19 September 11.00am - 1.00pm Tuesday, 25 September 11.00am - 1.00pm Saturday, 6 October 10.00am - 1.00pm Thursday, 11 October 11.00am - 1.00pm

THE JACK AND JILL SCHOOL

Saturday, 13 October 10.00pm – 12.30pm

THE MALL SCHOOL Saturday, 6 October 10.00am – 12.00pm

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

15

Saving for your child’s education Claire Georghiades explores cost-effective options If there’s one thing that most parents agree on, it is the importance of a child’s education. If there’s one thing that is guaranteed, it is that this education will cost money, probably much more than even the most generous estimate.

Many parents elect to save for these future costs whilst their child is young and this is likely

Not Feeling Too Good?

to be a big relief down the track. If you are going to save money, however, it’s best to choose an account which allows as much tax-free interest as possible to accrue towards the capital.

With that in mind, here are my Top Tips for Thrifty Saving:

1 Up to £5,640 per year can be saved in a

secure. You can add as much as you want, but it’s tax-free only up to the level of £100 interest per parent.

5 It’s possible to reduce your mortgage interest payments now AND provide a fund for your child’s education by opting for an offset or flexible mortgage and making payments against it.

6 If you have explored and ruled out other options, there’s still the good, old-fashioned savings account, especially if you remove the temptation to spend the money instead, by setting up a regular standing order to this account.

7 Finally, you can pay extra money into your pension in advance, to use for education.

Money going into a pension attracts tax relief, and once you are 55 you can withdraw 25% as a tax-free lump sum. Many parents of this age will have children starting higher education.

Whilst saving for a child’s education is clearly important, take care not to go into debt or neglect pension planning. Students are able to borrow at far cheaper rates than parents, so it doesn’t make sense to borrow to keep the kids out of the red!

Cash ISA with tax-free interest. This is ideal for savings over a 5 to 10 year period.

However, if your children are young and there is time for a portfolio to mature, it may be worth investing up to a further £5,640 in a “The results were amazing, when we Stocks and Shares ISA, with either the same thought we had nowhere else to go…” or a different provider. This is more risky, but should have a higher interest rate and therefore Call Rachel Green, Homeopath Ba Hons, can generate higher returns.

Dip PHSH on 01932 840078 2 If your child was born between 1 September Or email rachel@ptaylor.vispa.com 2002 and 2 January 2011, The Child Trust Fund (CTF) is another tax-free option to consider. Those claiming a minimum of just one day of child benefit before 4 January 2011, are eligible for a Child Trust Fund Voucher, which is needed to set up the fund. Parents, family and friends can add money to the fund up to a maximum limit of £3,600 per year. The money in the CTF account belongs to the child but cannot be accessed until the age of 18. For Claire Georghiades FCA is information on Child Trust Funds, including a Director of Teddington how to apply for a replacement Child Trust based accountancy business, Voucher, visit www.direct.gov.uk Accounts Resource Ltd. For 3 Other tax-free savings accounts are available, more information on saving including the new and other accounting issues, Junior ISA. This is contact Claire on 020 8977 Balance Control Flexibility a long term, tax-free 9387 or via www.accountsresource.co.uk savings account for Accounts Resource Disclaimer: The ideas shared with you children up to the in this publication are intended to inform, rather than age of 18 and, again, advise. Taxpayer’s circumstances vary and if you feel that the information provided may be beneficial, it is important the money cannot be that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or withdrawn until this do not take action as a result of reading this publication, age is reached. A child before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred. cannot have a Junior ISA if he or she already GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY Come and experience the difference at Creattiva has a CTF account.

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September-October 2012

&

clubs, classes activities

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NEW! Match Play for Under 8s Music classes for babies and young children!

Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, To book your complimentary class, call and introduces music to very young children in a way they Kingston and Surbiton: 0208 224 3971. can easily understand and enjoy.

Banstead and Claygate: 01932 223309.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Weybridge, Cobham and Molesey: 0208 Heigh ho – from 12 months 224 0096. Richmond, Twickenham and Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Teddington: 0208 847 4031 Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds

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18

SENSING

PLAYING WITH YOUR BABY It’s not uncommon for new parents to be unsure of how to interact, entertain and play with their baby. Here are some tips.

From birth, babies have an innate desire to use their senses. They are stimulated by colours, sounds, sensations and touch. Show and touch them with soft coloured feathers and pom poms. Blow bubbles and let them watch the sparkles and show them colourful balls that roll.

Buy some CDs and sing songs and nursery rhymes. It’s fun and it develops a baby’s listening skills. Consider sign language which encourages the development of a baby’s speech.

Babies respond to tender physical contact and this also enhances bonding between parent and child, so spend time massaging, stroking, patting, cuddling and rocking your baby.

Once babies have control of their heads, rowing with them to songs like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” strengthens neck and back muscles and helps improve their control and balance.

Babies also love bouncing up and down on your knee or a bouncy ball. This increases their trust and confidence and helps them develop the strength and balance essential for crawling and walking. These games and interactions with parents also encourage a love of sports and games in later life.

If you prefer something more structured and social, consider Baby Sensory, a learning and development programme created especially for babies, with classes which provide a variety of games and activities to stimulate all of your baby’s senses.

For more information visit www.babysensory.com and page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

Toddler and Pre-School Gymnastics If you watched Team GB’s inspiring performance in the gymnastics at London 2012, you may have wondered at what impossibly young age these talented young men and women begin to learn their craft.

The answer is that gymnastics is a sport which cannot be started too young.

Richmond Gymnastics Club, the largest in London, teaches floor and vault and acrobatics and tumbling to all ages, including 1 to 4 year olds. This year, the Club won the prestigious British Gymnastics Club of the Year award, celebrating the excellence of its coaches, who train 1,800 recreational gymnasts, 750 pre-school gymnasts, and 4 elite squads. These squads compete and win medals at world class level.

All gymnasts are instructed by qualified British Gymnastics coaches, meaning that toddlers and pre-schoolers receive instruction from coaches who also train the elite squads. Coaches can immediately spot and fast track children who are flexible, strong, have balance and co-ordination and, even at the youngest age, can follow instructions precisely.

In the 1-2 year and 2-3 year old classes, gymnastic fundamentals are taught with parental support. Toddlers are taught balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness, for instance, by learning to walk in a straight line along the beam. They are also helped to overcome their natural resistance to moves that seem unsafe, for instance, forward rolls.

3 to 4 year old and 4 to 5 year olds are taught independently, so children can start learning gymnastic skills and develop the child/coach relationship.

For other classes that involve gymnasticsbased physical play, please see Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings on page 25.

SIGNING

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR BABY Imagine how helpful it would be if your infant could tell you what he wants or if you could easily interpret his needs?

Sign language gives infants a way to communicate their thoughts, feelings and needs. They quickly learn to recognise a particular gesture and match it to an object. This helps them grasp the concept of communication and move on to match words with objects, using sign language to reinforce their early attempts to talk.

Signing infants can hold a conversation. They can tell you when something is interesting, enabling you to tell them more. For example, a baby might see a truck. Through signing, he indicates that he likes the truck and you can then tell him more about it.

Infants that can express their emotions in a way that gets an immediate, appropriate response, feel more confident, less frustrated, cry less and have fewer tantrums.

Babies start to be ready to sign once they can sit and have control of their Boy signing at Singing hands at around 6 months. You can join a signing class before your baby is Hands class this age and learn to sign in preparation or you can learn alongside him.

Suzanne and Tracy, founders of Singing Hands, run signing classes with singing and rhyming in Twickenham and Teddington. Expect your infant to be captivated by the voices and hand gestures and join in as soon as he can. In Kingston and Thames Ditton, Kerry Callard Williams runs Tiny Talk signing classes.

For more information, visit www.singinghands.co.uk or www.tinytalk.co.uk and page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

September-October 2012

nd PRE-SCHOOLERS PICK UP THE TEMPO AND JOIN THE CHOIR!

There is so great a focus on activities for children these days that parents often feel as if their own requirements for stimulation and enjoyment don’t matter!

When Charlotte Miller, founder of Tempo Tots, which provides music classes for under 5s, launched her choir this Summer, she had this firmly in mind. She wanted to create a space where parents and carers could share something special, have fun doing something for themselves, and, simultaneously look after their infants and children.

The choir gathers once a week, for 1 hour, in Twickenham and is run by Charlotte and Katherine, both classically trained, professional musicians. Infants can play with toys in the play area, whilst older children can join in the singing or dance. The atmosphere is relaxed and nappies can be changed and babies fed, soothed or walked around at any time.

The choir sings a range of songs from pop to classical and will be building up a repertoire to perform at the Tempo Tots Christmas Party at York House, Twickenham on Friday, 23rd December.

No previous experience is required and you don’t need to read music or sing well.

For further information, please email Charlotte at bookings@tempo-tots.com

Signing fun for little ones!

DANCING

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Funky pre-school dance franchise, Diddi Dance, recently beat stiff local competition to win the Best Pre-School Dance Award in the awards organised by parenting site Netmums.com.

Owned by Janine Davies and Karl Morgan, the franchise was launched nearly 6 years ago with 2 weekly classes. Now there are 9 weekly classes, spanning Twickenham, Ham, St Margarets, Teddington, Hampton, North Kingston and Isleworth.

Janine attributes some of the success of the franchise to good timing. ‘’When we started there wasn’t much going on in our area,’’ she says. ‘’We filled a gap in the market. We put posters up in shops and cafes, left leaflets on tables in mum and toddler groups and handed out flyers to parents in the park.’’

Professional dancers, Janine and Karl have appeared in many West End shows including Guys and Dolls and Phantom of the

Opera. Janine gave up professional dancing when their first child, Sam, was born, but Karl was performing 8 shows a week in Billy Elliott until the arrival of Kes, their second child.

Wanting a more family-friendly lifestyle, Karl then quit his West End career and started to teach classes. Soon the couple noticed a sharp upturn in the number of boys attending, which Janine attributes directly to Karl’s involvement. “Karl’s a fantastic teacher with lots of energy and boys love this’’ says Janine.

Karl has recently set up Movement Warriors, his own dynamic movement class, especially for boys. You can read more about this on page 20. For more information, visit www.diddidance.com and page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

PLAYING BALL

Rugby promotes team skills, mental and physical agility and quick thinking. This is a fun, competitive and active sport that kids can also start as young as age 2.

Children will be taught how to handle, pass and kick the ball, whilst keeping the focus on the safety aspects of the game, such as how to fall properly, safe tackles and protecting themselves when on the ground.

Ball sports teaches children about team work, respecting others, what it means to be competitive and winning and losing gracefully.

For further information about ball skills, football and rugby classes, please see page 28 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

Toddlers and pre-schoolers are naturally active but do slow down as they grow up. Playing ball sports at a young age nurtures a positive attitude to exercise which leads to good habits in later life. As babies start to walk, they become interested in learning to throw, catch and kick and this is a great time to introduce ball sports.

Ball Skills classes teach ball, racket and movement skills like throwing, catching, aiming and bouncing, as well as good co-ordination and awareness of the abilities and limitations of the body. Evidence suggests that children who learn basic ball skills early go on to enjoy a wide range of sports later.

Football encourages physical agility, focus and team skills. Available for tots from age 2, children learn about football rules and discipline, even if they’re not implemented immediately. In addition to dribbling, passing and kicking, children are also taught the importance of concentration, co-ordination and sharing with others.

Baby Sensory

Award Winning Baby Development Classes Designed for Babies from Birth to 13 Months

TM

˘ Come along and join our sign and sing-a-long sessions featuring nursery rhymes, action songs, games and stories

˘ Fun and friendly classes ˘ Lots of puppets, props and instruments ˘ Suitable for all babies and young children ˘ Singing Hands Songbooks, CDs and DVDs available ˘ For more information about our baby signing classes, toddler sessions or workshops for professionals, please contact us on: 020 8288 1706 or www.singinghands.co.uk or info@singinghands.co.uk

As featured on BBC Cbeebies ‘Something Special’ & ‘Tikkabilla’

September-October 2012

Sessions held weekly in Egham Hythe Staines Lower Sunbury Addlestone & Weybridge For more details contact Jo Ashe on 07810 540 352 or email Weybridge@babysensory.co.uk

Visit www.babysensory.com

The UK’s Favourite baby signing classes Communicate with your baby before he can talk!

Sign, Sing, Play and Socialise ❖ Structured and educational approach ❖ Fun and friendly atmosphere ❖ Suitable for 0-2 year olds Classes in Kingston and Thames Ditton Call Kerry 07759 852 717 or kerryc@tinytalk.co.uk www.tinytalk.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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PRIMARY CHOICES

INDOORS

CHESS: THE PERFECT ACTIVITY FOR AN INTROVERTED CHILD Chess is both the world’s greatest game and much more than that. Playing the game well involves developing a wide range of cognitive skills, along with vital non-cognitive skills such as self-control, perseverance, curiosity and courage.

While it’s great that many schools offer lunchtime or after-school chess clubs, children are sometimes encouraged to start learning chess too early. Before age 7, most children have not developed the logic necessary to understand chess concepts like “checkmate.”

Children who start chess at around age 7 will still need proactive parental support and practise every day, in the same way they would practise the piano. Otherwise they will make little progress, gain little benefit and lose interest within a year or two.

While many children enjoy playing chess, the children who gain most from the game are often quieter and more introverted, or those who, while enjoying competition, do not excel at physical sports.

Richard James, the author of the Amazon best-selling Chess for Kids: How to Play and Win (Right Way Books) and the webmaster of chessKIDS academy (www.chesskids.com), Ben considers his next move believes that young children would benefit from learning chess step by step, one piece at a time and one skill at a time in the same way that they learn literacy and numeracy.

Starting this month, Richard is running chess courses for beginners and novices in Twickenham. These offer preparation for more serious games and tuition provided at the Richmond Junior Chess Club. For further information, visit www.chessforkids.info or www.rjcc.org.uk and page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings

IN THE GROOVE

HARNESS THE WARRIOR SPIRIT! Karl Morgan is one half of the team that runs the successful, local franchise Diddi Dance.

Seeing an obvious rise in the number of boys attending Diddi Dance classes when Karl started teaching them, he and his partner, Janine, recently set up Movement Warriors, another dance class devised by Karl himself, just for boys. Classes are held in Kingston, Isleworth, Teddington and Long Ditton.

Movement Warriors classes enhances boys’ natural physicality and energy using a gentle and accessible approach of suggested movements rather than more formal dance routines.

Conceived by Karl a couple of years ago, he believes there is a need to have a movement program designed specifically for boys for whom there is no other similar dance program.

Movement Warriors has had resounding success with young participants clamouring for more and parents saying they never knew their boys could have so much fun in a dance class. As one parent said recently, “the boys just can't wait to come back – my son told me

he wants to go every day!”.

Janine says “The initial reaction has been amazing – Karl’s classes are almost full! Incredible considering we’ve had no website until now, It’s all been word of Taking the big leap at a mouth and local Movement Warriors class flyering!”

Karl’s aim is to take the class into schools in areas where boys have little hope of ever coming into contact with dance and perhaps, ignite a passion for dance that will give them some hope for their future.

For more information, visit www.movementwarriors.com and page 26 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

IN THE KITCHEN By Susan Carmichael

Cooking is a creative, pleasurable pursuit which Teaches about different cultures can develop into a lifelong passion. Aside from Children are more likely to learn about the this, there are many other reasons why children Chinese New Year by making a Chinese dish benefit from spending time in the kitchen. than by sitting in a history lesson. Cooking Learning to cook: is a powerful learning experience because it Encourages healthy eating habits engages all the senses at once.

Parents’ feedback indicates that children are Teaches about the origin of foods more likely to sit down to a nutritious family Children learn that meal and try new foods when they pizza doesn’t always help cook. come from a restaurant Susan’s Tip: Encourages reading and and spaghetti sauce Children love to doesn’t have to come cook with anything that increases vocabulary from a jar! has chocolate in it, so we Cooking exposes children to new words and their meanings.

Develops fine and even sneak some into savoury dishes to show Reading recipes demonstrates gross motor skills how it enhances to reluctant readers that Whilst sprinkling, every dish! reading offers tangible results mixing and measuring, Girls cooking at a Sassy and children also learn to follow children can step by step instructions to get a finished result. Stirrers workshop experiment with 20

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

OUTDOORS

A PASSION FOR PONIES The British Equestrian team came first in the medal tally at London 2012, recording its best performance in Olympic history.

Inspired by this, more children than ever are likely to be queuing up to learn to ride.

Whilst owning a horse can be expensive, children can gain all the experience they need by joining The Pony Club, an international voluntary youth organisation, founded in England in 1929.

The aims of Pony Club are to: ❖ encourage young people to ride and to enjoy a range of sport connected with horses and riding; ❖ give instruction in riding and horsemastership and educate members to take proper care of their animal; ❖ create strength of character and self-discipline by promoting the highest ideals of sportsmanship, citizenship and loyalty.

At Park Lane Stables in Teddington, an official Pony Club centre, children learn about horse and pony care, improve their riding, and work towards a variety of badges and achievements.

Park Lane’s After School Pony Club teaches children about stable management, grooming and tack whilst on Saturday or Sunday mornings, Pony Club membership guarantees a child one hour’s ride and instruction, plus a horse that is theirs to look after, which means grooming, feeding and mucking out. Children also help to prepare the yard for the day’s activities. Riding experience isn’t necessary and children can join from age 6.

Park Lane is an inclusive centre which regularly takes part in community events and organises riding lessons for disadvantaged and disabled children in the local area.

For more information, visit www.parklanestables.co.uk and page 27 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings. manipulating their muscles and improve their fine and gross motor skills.

extra

Susan Carmichael owns Sassy Stirrers which holds lunch time and after school clubs in local schools and will be starting a twice monthly Saturday afternoon Mini Chef class in Kingston in October. Sassy Stirrers also runs 2 to 3 hour holiday workshops and cooking parties. For more information, visit www.sassystirrers.com and page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

September-October 2012

BETWIXT and BE “TWEENS” cool activities for cool kids!

A SPORTING CHANCE!

Ever heard of speed stacking, tchoukball, kinball, Rock-it-ball and Slam ball? No? You are not alone. Yet all the above are currently lobbying to become Olympic Sports and Grant Felix from SportsCoach Richmond reports that children between 9 and 12 are enjoying playing them.

The Government’s campaign to promote healthier children through sport coincides with budget cuts reducing the amount of sport available to children at school. Whilst independent schools continue to recognise that sport is key in developing a well-rounded child, increasingly, parents of children in state schools have to arrange sports participation for their children outside of the school system.

Children who are interested in a range of sports are ▲

Speed stacking with SportsCoach Richmond

MARTIALLING THE ART OF LIVING

What do you think of when you think of Martial Arts? Bruce Lee? Black belts?

What DON’T you think of? Life Skills?

Personal development? Yet these are as essential to the martial arts philosophy as the teaching of self-defence.

Martial Arts is an umbrella term for many different combat sports including Kick Boxing, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Aikido and Tae Kwon Do. Life skills is a vital part of martial arts training. Students are taught about the importance of confidence, concentration, respect, listening and discipline. Lessons cover safety issues, including dealing with emergencies, road safety and stranger danger. Children may also receive tips on how to deal with bullying and other similar problems. The intention is to provide children with skills to confidently handle difficult or dangerous situations.

Older children may be taught the value of

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE…

The “tween” age group is notoriously difficult to satisfy when it comes to out of school activities. “Tweens” are involved in the serious job of preparing to be teenagers and are influenced by their peers and by what is seemingly “cool” or otherwise.

Drama classes can prove very helpful to children of this age, as they provide a forum in which they can start reflect on who they are and where they fit in the world.

Through drama, children can express the emotions, thoughts and dreams that they are not always able to articulate in life.

They also have the opportunity to explore new roles and experiment with various personal choices and solutions to real problems, either from their own lives or those faced by imaginary characters. More importantly, this can be done in a safe environment, without the dangers and pitfalls it might lead to in the real world and September-October 2012

tricky to cater for, both because there aren’t enough hours in the day and because they want to participate in individual and team sports, plus try new ones as well.

The answer could be a weekend sport’s programme, such as the one offered by SportsCoach Richmond, a structured 3 hour session, during which children participate in both individual and team sports. Such a programme offers a wide range of individual sports such as archery, fencing, golf and gym, team sports including softball, handball, lacrosse, basketball and netball, plus the lesser known sports mentioned above.

Enrolling a sporty child in a sport’s programme, gives her the chance to discover at which sports she excels. Who knows, she may develop a passion for Rock-It-Ball or Speed Stacking, and you might end up watching her at the 2020 games!

For further information on SportsCoach Richmond, visit www.sportscoach.co.uk/ richmond and page 28 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings. encouragement, perseverance and overcoming fears.

Martial arts training helps children deal with problems they are having in life. The Great British Martial Arts Academy in Cobham told me about a student who was being bullied at school. His instructor and his peers talked to him about standing tall with his shoulders back to appear confident and about mentally not bowing to pressure. It was essential this boy realise that what the bullies at school said was irrelevant to him, that they could call him names without him crumbling. Working with this advice, the boy reported that the bullies left him alone for increasingly long periods of time.

For more information on the Great British Martial Arts Academy in Cobham, visit www.gbacademies.com and see p27 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

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Archery with SportsCoach Richmond

COOKING PARTIES COOKING WORKSHOPS Children love our funfilled cooking parties learning new skills with little stress for you!

For 4-12 year olds.

Halloween cooking workshop Wed 31 Oct. 11am-2pm KINGSTON / ESHER

Booking now—email or phone to save a place.

Ph: 07789 792 676 e: info@sassystirrers.com

Join the Pony Club at Park Lane Stables!

9am to 1pm Saturday or Sunday Includes: 1 hour riding lesson, stable management and your own pony to look after!

4pm to 5.30pm Thursday or Friday Stable management sessions – learn about grooming, tack and much more…

Work towards badges and achievement awards. Age 6 upwards. No experience necessary Private or group horse riding lessons for adults and

with the opportunity to examine, discuss and kids and tailor made birthday parties also available understand actions and consequences with Enquiries to adults and peers. parklanestables@gmail.com Essentially, drama allows children the or call 07796 842 328 opportunity to communicate with and www.parklanestables.co.uk understand others in new ways. It also provides training in the practical aspects of communication so necessary in today’s Chess courses for beginners and novices technology and information-centred in Twickenham and Hampton world. Children involved with drama learn to www.chessforkids.info be more confident email richard@chesskids.com speaking in public, more persuasive in written and oral communication and better able to relate Richmond Junior Chess Club to others.

For details of drama www.rjcc.org.uk courses, please see p26 of our Clubs, Classes and email info@rjcc.org.uk Activities Listings.

Source: Matt Buchanan, Childdrama.com

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Feel like dancing?

by Editor, Linda

Stone

There are so many different styles of dance class available to children locally that we decided to showcase a range of these styles and find out a little more about each of them.

Laura Brooks tells us about BALLET

Established in 1987 Children’s classes from aged 2 to senior levels Adult ballet and tap classes - all levels of experience catered for Based in Kingston

Ballet Tap & Modern Jazz Street Dance Adult Dance Free Trial Lesson Sibling Discounts Musical theatre workshops Regular Exams 100% pass rate For more information contact:

Carol Winter Dip LCD, RAD Teaching Dip, AISTD (Dip), CDE 020 8241 8496 enquiries@danceforcekingston.com www.danceforcekingston.com

Creating an environment in which your child’s love of dance can thrive

KBS NEW MALDEN Est. 1995 A dancing school in New Malden offering a wide range of classes for children of all ages New Saturday Classes for September Ballet for 3/4 and 5/6 years Street Dance for 7 to 10 years

www.kingstonballetschool.com Principal Louise Jefferson on 020 8549 1129

Ballet originated in Italy during the 15th and 16th centuries as a dancePetites Pointes Ballet Class interpretation of fencing but King Louis XIV of France developed it as a dance style and set up his own training school, introducing standardised levels for students and certification for teachers.

Classical ballet strengthens the core of the body, encouraging elongated posture, a lithe, lean physique and good balance and it provides an excellent base for studying other dance forms; for example, in hip hop and tap, the technique used to turn derives from the ballet pirouette.

Ballet works all the major muscle groups, promoting aerobic and anaerobic fitness and improving strength and flexibility.

Classes can begin at any age, but, to pursue a career in classical dance, it is important to begin before the age of 10, in order to develop the required strength and technique.

At my Petites Pointes class for 2.5 to 5 year olds, I use traditional tales such as The Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk and Goldilocks to introduce children to classical ballet. Familiar repetitive rhymes and creative imagery make classes easy to follow.

Ballet should always be “Megan absolutely loves going to taught by a qualified dance Petites Pointes and teacher who understands child is mesmerised by the development, psychology, stories that the class is anatomy and physiology as taught around. Laura well as how to teach dance is very talented and technique without injuring the manages to hold the child. The Royal Academy of full attention of the children for the whole Dance (RAD) trains teachers to half hour session.” a very high standard and also – (T O’Neill) offers examinations and awards for children. Petite Pointes is introducing a new Monday afternoon class this term.

Laura Brooks is Principal of Brooks Dance Academy and is introducing a new Petites Pointes class this term, to be held on Monday afternoons. For further information, visit www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk and see page 25 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

Lucy Sheather writes about FLAMENCO

Flamenco Dance (El baile flamenco) is a Spanish dance form distinguished by emotional intensity, proud carriage, expressive use of the arms and rhythmic stamping of the feet, as well as a particular “flamenco” way of moving. The word “flamenco” is Spanish for “flamingo” probably because the dance resembles the elegant movements of a bird. Whilst influenced by other dance forms like classical ballet, flamenco dance is very distinct and is now being taken more seriously in the mainstream due to its traditional classic lines and expressions of timeless emotions.

Flamenco dance is an expressive art form and Flamenco dancers children,who are naturally from a Betty Cid class expressive beings, relish this.

There are few Flamenco classes for children in London but The West London Spanish Dance School, gives children and adults from all backgrounds, the opportunity to learn and perform it. Classes take place in a Spanish bi-lingual environment with a teacher, Betty Cid, who is a professional dancer with over 20 year’s experience of performing and teaching this dance form. Class format includes an introduction, warm up, technique, choreography and presentation by pupils of what they have learned. Children learn castanets, footwork, rhythms through stamping and clapping, fan work, arm work, the Sevilannas (a Spanish folk dance from Andalucia) and character dances.

Children can begin classes at age 3 and from 6 years old, can enter the Spanish Dance Society Medal Awards. The exam syllabus is certified by the Spanish Dance Society and students can learn the exam syllabus up to level 5.

Lucy is from the West London Spanish Dance School. For more information, visit www.bettycidflamenco.co.uk and see page 26 of our Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

CREATING A PERSONAL DANCE STYLE

BALLET ★ TAP ★ MODERN Dance classes for everyone from 18 months to adults Our Baby Beats, Nursery and Junior classes are a fun introduction to dance using stories, mimes and songs

07813 170707 info@dancefusiontwickenham.com www.dancefusiontwickenham.com

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Some dance schools have evolved unique brands of dance by amalgamating different dance styles and adding special touches of their own.

At St Margarets Dance Academy in Twickenham, Principal, Nuria Merediz holds her own Kool Kids ‘n’ Kool Moves after-school dance classes in more than 10 primary schools throughout Richmond, Hounslow, Wandsworth and Surrey.

Nuria taught gymnastics and fitness classes in Asia and, when she came to the UK and had children of her own, she realised how important it was to encourage physical activity in order for them to stay fit. So she developed a dance form that incorporated gymnastics, fitness and dance, with every move in the class, from the opening stretches onwards, choreographed into a routine set to music. She has now honed her style into a jazz/modern/musical theatre speciality which ensures that kids have fun by keeping them constantly moving to contemporary music and learning routines which they can dance with friends, family or at school or community events.

There are no formal examinations for Kool Kids but they perform regularly, this year at RichDance, the Richmond May Fair and the St Margaret’s Fair, to name a few. Nuria stresses the importance of drawing up and working to detailed lesson plans in order to ensure performance-readiness and she looks for teachers who are excellent dancers and good with children but who also have the discipline to stick to the plans.

For more information, visit www.stmargaretsdanceacademy.co.uk and see page 25 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

“Dear Nuria, Just wanted to say that you are the best dancing teacher in the world. I will miss you lots but I thank you for everything you have done for me.” (Danielaex-student at St Elizabeth’s Catholic school, Richmond)

September-October 2012

Modern Dancers at Dance Fusion

Mina Burden tells us about MODERN DANCE

Modern Dance is a highly energetic, rhythmic dance style, often seen in musical productions – it’s very theatrical, with travelling steps, high kicks, leaps and turns, which all require strength and flexibility. Modern dance is uniquely American and started as a rebellion against ballet at the beginning of the 20th century, wanting to be a relaxed, uninhibited dance style that focused on self-expression.

Contemporary dance, an offshoot of modern dance, is more a philosophy than a specific set of techniques. Contemporary dancers use the natural energy and emotions of the body to produce dances which are often very personal.

Modern dance helps develop strength of body and mind, encourages creativity and free expression and stimulates the imagination. Children can learn from the age of 5.

At my modern dance class, we combine funky techniques found in street dance and jazz, with technical ballet training, danced to “My daughter first different styles of music. The class teaches rhythm and incorporates started attending stretching, floor work, strengthening, jumping, turning and leaping.

Dance Fusion 5 At Dance Fusion, we work towards the Imperial Society of years ago. She’s Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Modern syllabus, which provides developed as a framework for training young people to dance safely and a dancer, her professionally. Students are only entered into exams when they are confidence has grown and dance ready to pass and we recommend participation because of classes have the sense of achievement it delivers. really helped her Modern Dance Teachers sshould have an ISTD Diploma in Dance develop a sense Education. Mina Burden is Principal of Dance Fusion. of discipline and For more information, visit www.dancefusiontwickenham. commitment.” com and see page 25 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

(Karen Melling)

Emma Tinniswood writes about MUSICAL THEATRE

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This combination of music, dialogue and dance originated in the operas and masque productions of the 17th century but came into its own with the musical comedies of Gilbert and Sullivan, which created a coherent storyline from a combination of music and dialogue.

Now an international art form, musicals use Step On Stage Summer School various dance styles, depending on their genre: ballet in Phantom of the Opera and and Puerto Rican and Rock and Roll in West Side Story, for example. Musical Theatre suits children who enjoy singing, dancing and acting. They can start learning from 3 years, with a general introduction to the style. Dancing and singing simultaneously may feel tricky initially, but this skill becomes easier with practice.

My school, Step on Stage, runs Musical Theatre classes for 3 - 18 year olds, beginning with Minis, in which children learn songs and simple dance routines and create characters from Disney films and stories. Classes for older children include a lengthier focus on singing, dance/production and acting, teaching scenes from musicals and how to combine these, as well as how to perform and communicate, in character, through song and dance.

There are several examination boards for Musical Theatre, including the internationally recognised London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). From Grade 6, exams are equivalent to AS and A2 levels and earn vital UCAS points for university entrance.

Emma Tinniswood is Principal of Step on Stage Academy of Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.steponstageacademy.co.uk and see page 26 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

THE STUFF OF DREAMS AT TWINKLE TOES This term, Twinkle Toes Ballet, a well-established and respected ballet school which offers pre-school classes in Richmond, Sheen, Twickenham and Kew, will be teaching children age 5 to 10 the RAD ballet and dance syllabus for the first time.

When Principal Jessica Williams launched Twinkle Toes Ballet just 3 years ago, her first class contained only 4 children! She now has over 400 students. This is a remarkable success story and it is a credit to Jessica’s skills that she has grown her company so fast.

So how has she done it? Kate Bodoano, whose daughters Maggie (4) and Sophia (3) started at Twinkle Toes when they were 1.5 and 2, believes that much of Jessica’s success has come from the powerful impression her classes make on both children and parents.

This, in turn, leads to very strong word of mouth.

“Jessica and her staff create a magical environment. Charming games and role plays, with themes like fantasy and fairies, are used to instil ballet principals, without actually seeming to teach them.” says Kate.

“Twinkle Toes embraces dressing up in tutus and dresses and the whole enchantment of ballet. This is the stuff of dreams for little ones and their mums!” Kate goes on to say “What is amazing, is the standard the children achieve. From the level of dancing my 4 year old was doing at the end of year performance, it’s evident that Jessica and her team have the highest level of classical ballet training, which they’ll apply as rigorously to teaching the RAD syllabus, as they do to teaching the little ones” For more information about Twinkle Toes ballet, please email info@twinkletoesballet. com or call 07787 376460 and see page 26 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

“My daughter started classes with Jessica when she had only just learned to walk and she’s now 4. Jessica is amazing – her approach subtly changes as her pupils mature and she’s managed to teach the French words for all the positions and movements without my daughter even noticing.”

(Amanda Masters)

Dancer at Tw inkle

Toes

Twinkle Toes Summer Camp 2012

PETITES POINTES BALLET CLASSES A captivating introduction to ballet through storytelling for children age 2.5 to 5 years First Class FREE WHEN: Saturday morning Monday afternoon – NEW class!!

WHERE: Innerspace Studio, Kingston, KT2 6NH ROYAL ACADEMY OF

DANCE

TEL: 07958 530962 www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk REGISTERED TEACHER

September-October2012

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

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Feel like dancing?

continued

Kate demonstrates a street dance move

FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION

Kate Broughton informs us about STREET DANCE

Street Dance is a label for a family of dance styles that originated predominantly in the streets of America’s big cities in the 60s, late 70s and 80s. These styles include B-boying (Break-dancing), Popping, Locking and, more recently, Krumping, House, New Style, Tuttin and Technotik!

Hip Hop and Funk are dance styles in the Street Dance family. They both started in the 70s, Hip Hop in New York and Funk in California. Hip Hop includes standalone dance forms locking, popping, break-in, house and more recently, Krumping, but locking and popping actually originated as part of Funk.

In Street Dance, children quickly learn to move their body in interesting ways.

Free styling in front of other children and personalising their style/groove boosts self-esteem and moves and steps are memorised by listening to the lyrics in their favourite songs. Children can start learning from about age 4.

Classes include a short warm up and stretch out, practice of a specific style (eg locking, popping) and a routine to be memorised for subsequent classes. Kids love the freestyle circle where they can show off moves they’ve improvised or practised at home, and the dance games section.

There is no grade or examination scheme yet, but most dance schools offer students the chance to compete or perform at national or local level. My school’s Step It Out Crew won 3rd Prize at the local Dance Challenge this year and was invited to perform at many events throughout the Summer.

Kate Broughton is Principal of Kate’s School of Dance.

For further information, visit www.katesschoolofdance.co.uk and page 26 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

MORE THAN JUST A HOBBY

Ebony Thomas (15) started ballet classes at the Kingston Ballet School when he was 5.

When his mother, Sue, asked if wanted to learn ballet, he responded with a resounding “no!” Being very sporty, he clearly thought that ballet wasn’t a very masculine pursuit.

However, when Sue’s friend took him along to her son’s ballet class, he was surprised to find he enjoyed it. He attended for 6 years, despite being one of the few boys in his class.

At 8, Ebony successfully auditioned for the Royal Ballet Junior Associates. When he was selected to dance at the Opera House with the Royal Ballet Company, it hit him, perhaps for 24

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of modern dance, jazz and ballet, stresses versatility and can be performed to many different styles of music. The philosophy of contemporary dance is that dancers should have freedom of movement, allowing their bodies to naturally express their innermost feelings.

At Kidsdance in Twickenham, Sarah Dekker has taken creative contemporary dance to another level and created something unique which flies in the face of many dance conventions. Her classes include Kidsdance pupils express contemporary and world dance styles, eclectic music, no pink uniforms surreal art and a high ratio of boys to girls.

Kidsdance encourages children to develop their imaginations and “Kidsdance is what I contribute their own ideas. Each term has a theme: from the obvious such think dancing should as Spies, Safari or the Olympics, to the abstract, sculpture, energy or surreal be about - fun and art! Children learn original dance sequences related to the theme, but expression and creativity. Not lots of every class also has a creative section, where they work in pairs or small pricey costumes and groups to create their own dances. make up!” (8 year There are no exams in contemporary dance so Kidsdance is an oasis where kids can escape the pressure of tests and grades. Instead, Kidsdance old Millie’s mum) focuses on performance and has a Performers group, which creates and rehearses fantastic new dances for local performances.

Teachers are all established professionals and at the start of every term, everyone comes together to create new material and agree goals. No set syllabus is followed and everybody enjoys the fluidity of allowing things to evolve over time.

For more information, visit www.kidsdancegroup.co.uk and page 26 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

Jo Denham writes about JAZZ DANCE Jazz dance arrived in America with the African slaves and developed alongside jazz music in New Orleans in the early 1900s. During the 1940s, it became theatre-based but wasn’t officially recognised as a dance form until the 1950s.

Since then it has been influenced

by Caribbean and Latin American dance and by choreographers of ballet and modern dance.

As it has developed, there have been a number of different offshoots in jazz styles, lyrical, commercial and Broadway, for example. Lyrical jazz is performed to slow pieces of music with fluid movements and the use of core strength to hold positions and extensions, whereas commercial jazz is typified by the moves of a dancer like Britney Spears.

Broadway jazz is seen in musicals and often choreographed to fit in with a song, with actions accompanying specific words.

Jazz dance improves co-ordination, refines motor skills

and increases strength, joint mobility and flexibility. Children can begin classes from about age 6.

My classes at Denham Dance include a warm up, technical work to increase flexibility and develop core strength, “corner” work where children practice kicks and turns from corner to corner of the studio and then a short routine set to a variety of different pieces of music.

Teachers should be qualified members of a dance awarding body, like the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing ISTD or International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) which offer graded examinations in the modern theatre style.

Jo Denham is Principal of Denham Dance and Theatre Arts.

For further information, visit www.denhamdance.com and page 25 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

the first time, that dancers were true athletes.

At this point, ballet became more than just a hobby.

Ebony now studies full time at the Elmhurst School for Dance in Birmingham, which is affiliated to the Birmingham Royal Ballet. He loves the male solos that require precision, power and virtuosity combined with the need to make them look simple and hopes to become a Principal dancer.

Sue and Ebony have nothing but praise for Louise Jefferson, Principal of the Kingston Ballet School. “Louise has been so supportive throughout Ebony’s ballet career and travels to Birmingham to watch him regularly. She

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

Dancers in a Denham Dance Jazz class “I really enjoy taking part in Jazz classes at Denham Dance. I love dancing to chart music and keeping up general fitness. It is also great to meet with other people the same age and share our love of dance.”

(Emily O’Sullivan, who is starting further education at The Royal Academy of Dance in September.)

Kingston Ballet School dancers perform Cinderella her

genuinely cares about all students whether they are doing it as a potential career or a hobby.”

Kingston Ballet School offers ballet, tap and modern dance lessons for children. From September, the school will be offering new Saturday morning ballet and street dance classes.

For more information, visit www.kingstonballetschool.com and page 26 of Clubs, Classes and Activities Listings.

September-October 2012

&

clubs, classes activities

Clubs, Classes and activities ART AND CRAFT

Ceramics Café Kew - Ages: All Children have the opportunity to create something unique. Starting with a plain white bisque shape, they paint on their design using ceramic under-glazes, it is then fired in the kiln, and their piece is ready for collection within 2-4 days.

At: 1A Mortlake Terrace, Kew TW9 3DT Contact: Joanna Wronka Phone: 020 8332 661 www.ceramicscafe.com Happy Potter - Ages: All Pottery painting at After School Club every Thursday. Children make a different piece every week. Autumn Half Term Workshops!

At: 14 Broad Street, Teddington TW11 8RF Contact: Una Fagan Phone: 020 8973 1468 www.happypotterceramics.co.uk Pottery Café – Ages: All London’s original decorating studio.

Baby Wednesdays are for parents to print baby’s feet or a design an image on a beautiful piece of pottery. To celebrate the studio’s 10th birthday there will be 10% off all pottery to paint between 3 and 28 September.

At: 332 Richmond Rd, East Twickenham TW1 2DU Phone: 020 8744 3000 www.pottery-cafe.com

Lower Sunbury, Staines, Addleston Contact: Jo Ashe Phone: 07810 540352 Also in: Cobham, Teddington, Thames Ditton, Kingston, Richmond www.babysensory.com Singing Hands - Ages: Babies/ Toddlers Introduction to baby signing through songs, rhymes, stories and games.

Babies have a natural tendency to use gesture (eg. clapping and waving bye-bye). Baby signing builds on these normal patterns of communication.

Toddler classes also available.

In: St Margarets, Twickenham, East Twickenham, Teddington Contact: Suzanne or Tracy Phone: 020 8288 1706 www.singinghands.co.uk Tiny Talk - Ages: From 6 to 18mths & 18mths+ Classes teach baby sign language, a form of pre-verbal communication.

From as early as 6 months, babies can begin to tell you what they want, what they are thinking and how they feel.

Toddler classes also available.

In: Kingston and Thames Ditton Contact: Kerry Callard-Williams Phone: 07759 852717 www.tinytalk.co.uk/kerryc Also in: Cobham, Staines, Walton, Weybridge www.tinytalk.co.uk

BABY AND TODDLER

CHESS

Baby Sensory - Ages: 0 to 3 Programme specifically designed for babies to stimulate all the senses and assist baby development, including listening and communication skills.

In: Egham, Hythe,Weybridge,

Chess For Kids and Richmond Junior Chess Club - Ages: 7+ Structured and incremental beginners and novices courses with Chess For Kids and The Richmond Chess Club. Having completed the course, children will

know enough to join a primary school chess club, and perhaps take part in low-level competitions.

In: Hampton, Twickenham www.chessforkids.info and www.rjcc.org.uk or email Richard at richard@chesskids.com

COOKING

Sassy Stirrers - Ages: 4 to 14 After school and lunch time cooking classes in local schools; 2-3 hour holiday workshops with food cooked to be taken home and new twice monthly Saturday afternoon Mini Chef workshops starting in October + Halloween Workshop 31 October!

In: Kingston/Claygate/Surbiton/ Thames Ditton area Contact: Susan Carmichael Phone: 07789 792676 www.sassystirrers.com

DANCE

Brooks Dance Academy Ages: 2.5 to 5 Petites Pointes ballet classes, with music and props, based on traditional tales such as The Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk and Goldilocks. Familiar repetitive rhymes and creative imagery make classes easy to follow. Parents and carers are encouraged to join in to help younger children feel comfortable.

New Monday afternoon class starting September!

In: Kingston Contact: Laura Brooks Phone: 07958 530962 www.brooksdanceacademy.co.uk Dance Force - Ages: 2+ Established dance school celebrating 25th anniversary this year. Wide range

of classes starting with the Tippie Toes dance classes for tots through to Ballet, Modern and Tap dance for older children and teenagers.

In: Kingston Contact: Carol Winter Phone: 020 8241 8496 www.danceforcekingston.com Dance Fusion - Ages: 2.5+ Wide range of syllabi including Ballet, Tap, Modern and Contemporary.

Expectations for each individual are high but realistic and assistance is given to each individual to reach his or her potential.

In: Twickenham Contact: Mina Burden Phone: 07813 170707 www.dancefusiontwickenham.com Denham Dance and Theatre Arts - Ages: 2+ Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz.

Beginning with Buttercup Ballet for pre-school children, which concentrates on the foundations of classical ballet, students proceed through classes in their dance form of choice and are encouraged to work to examination standard.

In: Walton and Addlestone Contact: Jo Denham Phone: 07957 254061 www.denhamdance.com Diddi Dance - Ages: under 4s Classes designed to enhance co-ordination and rhythm and nurture their natural love of movement.

Structured yet relaxed 45 minute class.

In: Twickenham, St Margarets,

Twinkle Toes Ballet Enchanting ballet classes for 0 – 5 years

NEW!

Just Imagine Dance

All inclusive Imaginative dance & RAD ballet for 5+ years

G!

Twinkle Toes Ballet is GROWIN

From September 2012, we’ll be offering RAD

Contemporary dance for original kids

Fun classes for creative boys and girls aged 2 to 12

Tel: 07966 502 557

www.kidsdancegroup.co.uk

September-October 2012

classes for children aged 5 years and upwards!

For more information or to book a

FREE TASTER CLASS contact our resident Fairy Godmother info@twinkletoesballet.com RICHMOND – EAST SHEEN – KEW – TWICKENHAM Founder & Principal Jessica Williams

Dip RBS AISTD MA Cantab Hons

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& more Clubs, Classes and activities

clubs, classes activities

Teddington, Hampton, Isleworth, Ham, North Kingston Contact: Janine Davies Phone: 07971 278765 www.diddidance.com Kate’s School of Dance - Ages: 2+ Ballet and Street Dance. Enjoyable and structured lessons in a supportive and friendly atmosphere. All students are encouraged to the best of their ability.

The goal is to engage children’s imagination and instil a love of dance.

In: Isleworth Contact: Kate Broughton Phone: 07957 639460 www.katesschoolofdance.co.uk Kidsdance - Ages: 2 to 13 Contemporary dance for children taught by experienced dance professionals in a friendly environment with the pressure of exams. Perfect for any child who loves dancing, wants to learn more than pop video moves, has a great imagination and isn’t afraid to use it.

In: Twickenham, Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham Contact: Sarah Dekker Phone: 07966 502557 www.kidsdancegroup.co.uk Kingston Ballet School - Ages: 3+ Kingston Ballet School creates an atmosphere in which your child’s love of dance can thrive, where



    

 

NOW ENROLLING! September 2012 & January 2013 Musical Theatre classes 3 – 18 year olds Hampton Hill Playhouse

pupils can have fun and enjoyment in a happy school that has excellent standards. The School offers ballet, tap and modern classes to children of all ages. New Saturday ballet classes for ages 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 and street dance from ages 7 to 10!

In: New Malden Contact: Louise Jefferson Phone: 020 8549 1129 www.kingstonballetschool.com Latino Bambino - Ages: Mums and babies 6 weeks+ or toddlers Dance classes for mums and babies. Exercise, keep fit, have fun and bond with your baby whilst dancing to Latin rhythms. Also, 40 minute dance class full of latin/tropical rhythms for toddlers that can dance on their own.

In: Richmond, Twickenham Contact: Urska Mosquera Phone: 07961 838349 www.latinobambino.co.uk Movement Warriors - Ages: Boys 5+ Dance and movement classes for boys taught

by Karl Morgan from Diddi Dance. Refreshingly non-traditional style of dance education covering all dance styles, yet with a particular emphasis on street, hip hop, breaking and contemporary dance.

In: Kingston, Isleworth, Long Ditton, Teddington Contact: Karl Morgan Phone: 07726 313057 www.movementwarriors.com St Margaret’s Dance Academy - Ages: 5+ A basic foundation in dance, with a jazz/modern/ musical theatre dance speciality devised to improve fitness. Experienced instructors who enjoy working with children teach routines to popular music, which they can dance with friends or at community events.

In: St Margarets Contact: Nuria Merediz Phone: 07931 342926 www.stmargaretsdanceacademy.co.uk Twinkle Toes Ballet - Ages: 6mths to 5 and 5 to 10 Offers babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers a magical experience full of fun, imaginative, theatrical ballet.

Classes are designed to develop musicality,balance, coordination, and self-confidence. From September, new RAD ballet classes, including free movement and character dance for 5 to 10 year olds!

In: Richmond, Kew, Sheen, Twickenham Contact: Jessica Williams Phone: 07787 376460 info@twinkletoesballet.com West London Spanish Dance School Ages: 4 to 6 and adult classes Flamenco dance classes for children and adults in bi-lingual English and Spanish environment. Taught

by Betty Cid who has 20 years dancing and teaching experience and is a fully qualified teacher of the Spanish Dance Society.

In: Twickenham Contact: Lucy Sheather Phone: 07833 195361 www.bettycidflamenco.co.uk

DRAMA AND STORYTELLING

Bridge Storytelling Adventures Ages: 1 to 5 Come along every Thursday afternoon and be transported to another world! Interactive, drama-based workshops, taught by a professional actress, take your child on a journey through his or her favourite book. Classes include an art and craft activity, a reading of the story and then children have the chance to ‘jump into the story’ and act it out.

In: Twickenham Contact: Amanda Wright Phone: 020 3222 3085 www.bridgeac.com Perform - Ages: 3mths to 3, 4 to 8, 8 to 12 A unique mix of drama, dance and singing specially formulated to bring out every child’s true potential.

Classes are kept small to ensure lots of individual attention by experienced teachers. Theme for the Autumn term is “Magicians Chamber.” Also, “Beauty and the Beast” 3 day Autumn half-term workshop!

In: Esher, Isleworth, Kew, Kingston, Richmond, Sunbury, Surbiton, Teddington, Twickenham, Weybridge Phone: 0845 400 4000 www.perform.org.uk Pyjama Drama - Ages: 6mths to 7 Fun, exciting drama classes which develop key social skills such as confidence, concentration, co-operation and creative problem solving. A unique programme which combines the disciplines of drama, movement, music and play, classes help children explore and make sense of the world in which they live.

In: Cobham, East Molesey, Walton, Weybridge Contact: Phylly Jones Phone: 0844 310 0619 www.pyjamadrama.com Stagecoach - Ages: 4 to 6, 6 to 18 Caters for the needs of all young performers, whether rather reserved or budding talents. Classes concentrate on singing, dance and drama, rather than rehearsing for end of term presentations, so every child has their chance to shine, learn and to develop.

In: Chertsey, 0845 265 7081 Hinchley Wood, 01932 254333 Hounslow, 0845 078 0804 New Malden, 020 8540 7791 Richmond, 020 8332 6741 Staines, 0845 055 6356 Twickenham, 020 8224 6905 Walton & Weybridge, 01932 254333 www.stagecoach.co.uk

St. Margarets Dance Academy

Children’s classes from 2 years to vocational RAD ballet, jazz, ISTD modern and tap classes

Kool Kids n’ Kool Moves After School Dance Classes

Established 15 years • • • •

Cool routines specially designed to improve your child’s fitness Cool music to ensure your child has fun!

Children (5+): Thursday 17.00 -17.50 Teens (10+): Thursday 17.00 -18.00 Only £75 per term!

Where: Our Richmond Studio, 222 Sheen Road, Richmond, TW10 Birthday Parties . Half Term Holiday Camps

Free trial lesson Siblings discount Regular exams 100% pass rate

Drama, Dance and Music Lessons Twickenham, Richmond & Hampton Hill Holiday workshops, LAMDA, INSET Youth Theatre & Children’s Agency Call 0208 408 0633 / 07973 900196 info@steponstageacademy.co.uk www.steponstageacademy.co.uk

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Classes in Walton on Thames and Addlestone Contact 07957 254061 jo@denhamdance.com www.denhamdance.com

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk  

Jo_Ad_70x55mm.indd 1

Call Nuria on 07931 342926 or visit www.stmargaretsdanceacademy.co.uk

16/08/2012 20:02

September-October 2012

Step on Stage Academy of Perfoming Arts - Ages: 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 11 Promotes self-expression and stimulates the imagination, treating each student as an individual.

Class sizes are kept small to ensure that each child gets appropriate attention. Children explore variety of disciplines including Musical Theatre for all ages, stories, poems, and songs for pre-schoolers and impro, script writing, characterisation, role play and more for older students.

In: Twickenham Contact: Emma-Louise Tinniswood Phone: 0208 408 0633 www.steponstageacademy.co.uk Theatre Bugs - Ages: 3.5 to 8 Stories and class plans are designed to ensure they are age appropriate for each of our three different class structures. Stories are filled with characters that children love, such as pirates, explorers, sharks, fairies, superheroes and princesses. Also 2 day “spooktastic” Autumn half term workshop!

In: Kingston, Richmond, Teddington, Claygate, Oxshott, Thames Ditton, Weybridge Contact: Greater London, 0800 975 5290 Epsom & Surrounds, 01483 882244 www.theatrebugs.co.uk The Living Theatre Company Ages: Primary Years Tailored drama classes for children, focusing on exercises which build awareness of characters, settings, speech, scripts, physicality, emotion, sense awareness, impro and storytelling. Classes build foundations in the performing arts and help children develop life skills and confidence.

In: Feltham and Ealing Contact: Lisa McKinnon Phone: 07932 799071 www.thelivingtheatrecompany.co.uk

HORSE RIDING

Park Lane Stables - Ages: under 21 Park Lane Stables is an official Pony Club Centre where children can learn on a weekly basis about horses and pony care as well as improving their riding, all whilst working towards a variety of badges and achievements.

In: Teddington Contact: Natalie O’Rourke Phone: 07796 842328 www.parklanestables.co.uk

MARTIAL ARTS

GBMAA Martial Arts Academy, Cobham Ages: 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 9 to 14 The Great Britain Martial Arts Academies are at the forefront of Martial Arts in the UK. Li’l Dragon Programmes ages 4 to 6. Kids Zone ages 7 to 8 and Children’s Programme ages 9 to 14. Children work on their own personal development through non-violent resolutions to conflict, building

self-confidence and self-discipline, respecting others, setting goals and working as a team.

In: Cobham Phone: 0845 177 5001 www.cobham.gbacademies.com Heiwa Karate Club - Ages: 4 to 12 Heiwa Family Karate Classes with Jackie, a 2nd Dan instructor, teaching karate to all ages. Karate gives children self-confidence, courtesy, stress-relief, respect, leadership and concentration skills which all benefit their academic achievements.

First lesson free.

In: Fulham, W6 8HJ Saturday morning from 10.30am - 12noon at St Matthews Community Hall, Contact: Jackie Daly Phone: 07787 828 808 www.heiwashotokankarateclub.co.uk

MULTI-ACTIVITY

Gymboree - Ages: 0 to 5 At Gymboree, you and your child will build creativity, confidence and lifelong friendships.

Classes are designed by experts in early childhood development to help young children learn as they play and involve you, teaching you fun and interesting ways to engage and excite your young child.

In: St Margarets, 020 8607 9995 Surbiton and Thames Ditton, 020 8398 9360 New Haw and West Byfleet, 01932 353313 www.gymboree-uk.com The Little Gym - Ages: 4mths to 12yrs The Little Gym offers a diverse line-up of programes filled with movement, music, learning and laughter.

From week to week and from year to year, the age-appropriate curriculum is designed to facilitate ongoing skill development and maximum fun.

Children progress at their own pace, developing their confidence as they develop their skills.

In: Hampton & Teddington Contact: Alistair Kendall Phone: 020 8977 0099 www.thelittlegym.com Tumbletots – Ages: 6mths to 7 years Develop childrens’ physical skills of agility, balance, co-ordination and climbing through the use of unique brightly coloured equipment. Age appropriate classes in challenging but safe and caring environment.

In: Weybridge, Addlestone, Molesey and Sunbury Contact: Gemma Clarke Phone: 07760 558220 tumbletotsweybridge@hotmail.co.uk Also in: Richmond, Twickenham, Kew, Hampton, Esher, Walton on Thames, Cobham, Leatherhead www.tumbletots.com

&

clubs, classes activities MUSIC

Caterpillar Music - Ages: 0 to 5 Music classes for babies and young children, taught

by West End performers, experienced teachers and mummies! Classes offer a unique introduction to music with exciting themes, colourful instruments and amazing puppets.

In: Hampton, Hampton Hill, New Malden, St Margarets, Teddington, Twickenham Contact: Tim or Emily Phone: 020 8979 9139 www.caterpillarmusic.com Christina’s Fun with Music - Ages: 1 to 5 Classes have good mix of ages and are structured to give children a secure platform for learning.

Puppets, music, rhythmic movement and percussion instruments are used to encourage each child’s growth and development.

In: Richmond Contact: Christina Northcott Phone: 020 8332 2275 www.christinasfunwithmusic.co.uk Monkey Music - Ages: 3mths to 4 Progressive and educational 4 stage curricula are designed to nurture a lifetime of music: Age appropriate classes. By age 4, children have developed a sound base from which to build a musical future.

In: Kingston, Surbiton, Banstead, Claygate, Weybridge, Cobham, Molesey, Richmond, Twickenham, Teddington, Kingston & Surbiton, 0208 224 3971

st Fir is ss cla e!

Fre

Weekl y drama-based workshops for children aged 18mt hs - 7 years.

A fun way to develop your child's confidence and communication skills.

www.bridgeac.com | 020 3222 3085

THE LIVING THEATRE COMPANY Where Imagination Comes to Life Tailored drama classes for 4 to 18 year olds Learn or improve performance skills Perform, have fun, make new friends!

WHERE: Feltham

and Ealing

Contact Lisa 07932 799071 enquiries@thelivingtheatrecompany.co.uk www.thelivingtheatrecompany.co.uk September-October 2012

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& more Clubs, Classes and activities

clubs, classes activities

Banstead, Claygate, Esher, 01932 223309 Weybridge, Cobham, Hersham & Molesey, 0208 224 0096 Kew, Richmond, Twickenham & Teddington, 0208 847 4031 www.monkeymusic.com Primo Music - Ages: 0 to 8 Independent music practice. Classes inspire musical creativity in the very young. The ongoing curriculum is intended to lead to a life-long love of music and will provide a sound basis for instrumental study.

Classes will assist your child to develop into a sensitive, intelligent and literate musician. Parents are asked to participate actively in the singing and movement elements of classes.

In: Hersham and Carshalton Contact: Charlotte Bettle Phone: 07815 073606 www.primomusic.org.uk

17 September! Open all year except Bank Holidays.

In: Teddington Contact: Maha Newell Phone: 07940 348726 www.teeneyweenies.co.uk The Lollipop Club - Ages: 6mths to 6 Drop-in play centre. Safe fun environment with toys including bouncy castle, ball pond, Little Tikes cars and a padded floor area with baby toys for tots. Free parking. Hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Open Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 5.00 In: Richmond Contact: Mari Souter Phone: 0208 332 7436 www.lollipopclub.co.uk

SPORT

Catch a Balls - Ages: 18mths to 5 Ball skills classes to prepare toddlers and pre-schoolers for a range of different sports and to encourage a healthy active life. Classes teach ball, racket and movement skills like throwing, catching, aiming and bouncing, with a variety of objects including balls, bean bags, scarves and hoops.

In: Kingston, Twickenham, Thames Ditton, Teddington, Molesey, Richmond Teeney Weenies - Ages: 0 to 7 Contact: Heather Horler Kids Play Café with indoor and outdoor toys, Phone: 020 8398 3034 including trampolines, soft play, bouncy castle, slides, www.catch-a-balls.co.uk sand and water tables, baby corner and more. Free Footietots - Ages: 2.5 to 5 Little Rugby 87x60 registered 13/10/09creche 17:55or Page parking, Free2yrs-5th Wi-Fi, drop-in book1 An introduction to the world of fitness and football, online. Open Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 1.30 from teaching basic football skills, scoring lots of goals and having fun on the way. All classes are held indoors.

Following the huge success of the Little Kickers football In: Hampton, Teddington, Twickenham, training programme for kids, here is another great idea we decided to run with. Little Rugby is a fun introduction to Heathrow Gym, Esher, Thames Ditton the sport and is non-contact, so it’s safe and friendly.

Contact: Andy Scates APPROVED RUGBY TRAINING FOR KIDS FROM Phone: 020 8287 3269 2 TO 5TH BIRTHDAY www.footie-tots.co.uk Kiddikicks - Ages: under 5s Football training for children which helps create a Call 02030921313 01932 429602 love of physical activity through football. Pre-school football programme engages and entertains, whilst fostering real football skills. Friendly and focused www.littlerugby.co.uk cchalmers@littlekickers.co.uk www.littlerugby.co.uk gware@littlerugby.co.uk skills-based coaching.

In: Brentford, Richmond, Teddington Contact: Sarah Peel Phone: 020 7937 7965 www.kiddikicks.co.uk FOOTIE TOTS Little Kickers - Ages: 18mths to 7 of 819 Little Rugby A Jan11.inddAn1introduction to the world 15/12/2011 07:54 Using football as a fun forum to instil extra fitness and football for children ages confidence, co-ordination, control and a sense of 2 1/2 to 5 years camaraderie, whilst also recognising that every child is an individual, and that children develop their skills best FOOTIE WIZARDS when playing with others of a similar age and ability.

For children ages 5 to 8 years In: Kingston, 020 8286 8028 ALL CLASSES HELD INDOORS - FOOTBALL PARTIES Richmond, 07762 956829 AVAILABLE Call Andy for info and bookings on Weybridge, 01932 847439 07931 707720 www.littlekickers.co.uk andy@footie-tots.co.uk Little Rugby - Ages: 2 to 5

PLAY CENTRES

A programme of engaging, fun-based games, building upon core rugby-themed competences, such as running, throwing and catching, but also encompassing broader sports-based skills such as balance, teamwork, physical agility, listening and hand-eye co-ordination.

In: Twickenham Contact: Graham Ware Phone: 07762 956829 www.littlerugby.co.uk Playball - Ages: 2 to 6 A multi-skill programme following the progression from basic sports skills, to mini games of tennis, hockey, cricket, rugby, football, basketball, baseball and volleyball to sports academies. Fun, age-appropriate, high quality games and activities, ensuring that your child has a positive experience and enjoys every minute of being physically active.

In: Teddington and Hampton, 020 8123 9190 www.hampton.playballuk.com Oxshott, 07984 770713 www.oxshottgodalming.ukplayball.com Also in: Esher, Richmond, Kingston, St Margarets www.playballuk.com Richmond Gymnastics Association Ages: From 12 mths A friendly, safe and nurturing environment for boys and girls of all ages, irrespective of ability, disability or means. Purpose built gym in Kew. Classes for 1 to 2 and 3 to 4 year olds and older. British Gymnastics qualified coaches for all ages. Recreational gymnastics and elite squads. British Gymnastics Club of the Year 2012 In: Kew Contact: Kate Llewellyn Phone: 020 8878 8682 www.richmondgymnastics.co.uk Rugby Tots - Ages: 2 to 7 Specifically designed play programme using the multiple skills of rugby to create fun and enjoyable environment, whilst developing basic core motor skills.

In: Feltham, Kingston, St Margarets, Surbiton, Hersham Contact: Lorna Belchambers Phone: 0845 481 6444 www.rugbytots.co.uk SportsCoach Richmond – Ages: 4 to 16 SportsCoach your child at the weekend with the most exciting, educational and exhausting 3 hours of their week. Premium resources and exceptional coaches.

4-week modules over 12 week terms in line with most schools. Sports include football, cricket, archery, fencing, volleyball, martial arts and netball.

In: Richmond and Hampton Contact: Grant Felix Phone: 0844 335 0450 www.sportscoach.co.uk/richmond L GET ET’S CHIL YOUR D SPO INTO R LOV T AND ING IT!

tion to your child’s sporting life! e founda ltimat The u

● Ball

Skills Classes for Age 2-3

● Sports ●

Skills Classes for Age 4-5

Sport Academies for Age 6-9 (All major sports included)

Playball Oxshott/Godalming Contact Caryn 07984 770713 ukplayball@yahoo.co.uk www.oxshottgodalming.ukplayball.com Playball Hampton and Teddington Contact Kay 020 8123 9190 playball.kay@gmail.com www.hampton.playballuk.com

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

September-October 2012

Choosing appropriate Pregnancy Care

By Dr

Eko Zhang

(MBBS, MSc, MRCOG, PhD)

What are the options for pregnancy care? How do I choose a hospital?

Who will attend the birth of my baby? What appointments and tests will I have?

Asking the right questions and processing the answers can be a challenge, so to make things clearer, we asked Dr Eko Zhang to answer some common questions.

Q. If my pregnancy test is positive, should I see my doctor immediately?

A. Yes. If there is no midwife at your GP’s surgery, your GP will ensure you see one at the closest surgery nearby. A midwife will assess your medical history and you and your baby’s wellbeing.

Q. What is good for pregnancy?

A. A positive attitude and support from loved ones help a women embrace pregnancy wholeheartedly. This is the prelude to a healthy attachment between mother and baby.

Q. Does morning sickness occur only in the first trimester?

A. No. It generally settles after 12 to 14 weeks of pregnancy but, whilst uncommon, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes severe nausea and vomiting, can occur at any time in pregnancy and needs specialist treatment.

Q. When should I seek help?

A. If there is bleeding during pregnancy.

This could indicate miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy outside the womb, usually in the fallopian tube. The tube could rupture and lead to heavy bleeding. If confirmed, keyhole surgery is necessary to remove the ectopic pregnancy or affected tube.

Q. What is the difference between an obstetrician and a midwife?

A. An obstetrician is a doctor specialising in pregnancy and birth who will have a midwife as part of his or her team. Most women under NHS care are the responsibility of a named obstetric consultant but appointments are mostly with their NHS midwife, unless the pregnancy is high-risk, in which case, your GP or midwife will refer you to an NHS obstetrician.

You can choose to be cared for by a private obstetrician, whether your pregnancy has

.I

been assessed as high risk or not, or opt for additional scans, visits and tests and/or a one off pregnancy wellness check with a scan, on top of your NHS treatment. Obstetric consultants have special interests, eg preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, high blood pressure or diabetes, so choose one that caters for your medical needs.

Midwives carry out most normal vaginal deliveries but an obstetrician will be present if complications require an instrumental delivery (vacuum, forceps) or caesarean section. If you are a private patient, your obstetrician may deliver your baby even if it’s a normal vaginal delivery or you can have private antenatal care and still be delivered on the NHS. Q. How often should I see my midwife or obstetrician?

A. Around 10 times during your first pregnancy.

Ordinarily, every 4 weeks below 28 weeks, every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks and weekly after 37 weeks.

Q. What tests and scans should I have?

A. Weight, height, urinalysis and blood pressure checks, as well as blood tests for anaemia, blood group, rhesus disease (if negative, it requires an injection at 28 and 34 weeks) and infection screen (Rubella, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV). The combined Down risk screen at 12 to 14 weeks involves a scan which checks the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck and a blood test which measures two hormones HCG and PAPP-A. Maternal age and some other factors are considered and the risk of having a baby with Down’s syndrome is calculated. If you miss the combined screen, you will be offered a serum screen between 14 to 20 weeks. The blood test measures 4 chemicals associated with pregnancy.

The 20 weeks anomaly scan checks the structure of the baby for abnormalities and growth scans are performed at 28, 32 and 34 weeks, if there is concern about growth restriction.

Q. How do I choose a hospital for delivery?

A. Discuss this with your midwife/obstetrician.

Choose a hospital near home or where a specific specialist service is available. Visit the hospital and delivery unit before you decide where to go.

An NHS delivery is free, but you must have been resident in the UK for 6 months. The care is offered by a team of midwives and doctors. There are a few private hospitals and specialist private wings connected to NHS facilities.

extra

Dr Eko Zhang is a Consultant obstetrician and fetal maternal specialist at Richmond Practice where specialist integrated family health care care is available Monday to Saturday with late evening appointments.

For more information, visit richmondpractice.co.uk

DREAMFEEDS

InternatIonal Board CertIfIed laCtatIon Consultants

Judith Brenner

judith@dreamfeeds.co.uk

Lyndsey Hookway

lyndsey@dreamfeeds.co.uk

compassionate, experienced breastfeeding specialists call the dreamfeeds team for a private consultation

07875744414 www.dreamfeeds.co.uk

Sana ssa Creating a new you

PARENTING WORKSHOPS

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen

Practical, effective skills that strengthen your relationship with your children “This is not a parenting course but a course in communication. I wish all adults who have contact with my children would take this course. Thank you Sana” April Gutensohn, Tree House Learning “Mum, I’m so glad you did the course. I just love the way you really get me now.” Sam Morgan-Davies (age 10) Commencing in October in Hampton Hill and Twickenham

Call Sana on 07720 591335 or email sana@lovechildren.co.uk September-October 2012

Daisy Birthing™ A relaxed active birth class that helps you enjoy each step of your pregnancy whilst looking forward to a positive birth.

Daisy Baby™ Postnatal movement, baby massage and yoga. Enjoy baby movement and baby calming with a unique approach and lots of ‘in arms’ time. www.thelazydaisychain.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

29

Moving to the next room at Nursery

by Malcolm

Do you remember how you felt the last time you started a new job or moved house? Children coping with key transition points in their lives experience the same feelings of uncertainty, excitement and trepidation.

The decision to move a child to a room of older children is only taken when you, the child’s current key person at nursery and, most importantly, the child himself feels ready. The child’s key person will then discuss and agree with you an appropriate date for the move.

The process of transition begins with some “settling in” sessions and, once these have been arranged, a meeting will take place between your child’s current key person, the key person of the new room and yourself. At this meeting, you can get to know your child’s new “special person” and ask any questions you may have regarding the move. You

Vickery

can also familiarize yourself with the layout of the room, meet the other staff, and work out where to put your child’s belongings. It is the small things that make the biggest difference to how your child will feel about the change and if you are feeling confident, then he will too.

Your child’s first visit to his new room will be with his current key person who will introduce him to the new staff and children and point out things that may be different about the new space. The key person will stay with your child throughout this visit.

On the second visit, your child’s key person will stay with your child for a shorter time. The length of time will depend entirely on your child’s needs. The third and fourth visits to the new room last longer, but the key person will take your child there and leave when he is settled. This gives him the chance

to experience being there by himself and bond with his new key person.

During these “settling in” sessions, you will be given a more detailed handover at the end of the day, informing you of exactly how your child has coped with his new surroundings.

After your child has moved to the new room, a good nursery will ask for feedback regarding the transition experience to ensure continued improvements are made to this important part of your child’s time at nursery.

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www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

kidsunlimited offers: • Care & education for children from 3 months to 5 years.

• Flexible part time & work friendly hours.

• Fees inclusive of nappies, milk and food.

Call: 0845 365 2990

• Care focussed, experienced and enthusiastic teams.

• Happy, active, exciting, fun and secure learning experiences.

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September-October 2012

Girl on wooden duck seat, image courtesy of: www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.co.uk

Working together to make the best choice for you and your family.

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Malcolm Vickery is Deputy Manager at Kids Unlimited Day Nurseries in Epping. For more information or to contact Malcolm, visit www.kidsunlimited.co.uk

P

R

A

I

T

E

S

Home Shopping Party Directory We had such a positive reaction to Penny Heighes’ article on home shopping parties in our last issue, as well as requests for further information, that we made the decision to publish a small Home Shopping Party Directory in this issue. You can find Penny Heighes’ article and this directory under Articles at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

FASHION

KITCHEN

Captain Tortue Group French Clothing for Women and Children Contact Fiona MacCarron fionamaccarron@gmail.com Captain Tortue Group French Clothing for Women and Children Contact Maddy Ballantyne maddy@gallerynetwork.co.uk Me and I Funky Swedish Kids’ Clothes Contact Jenny Thomas De Cruz jenny.thomasdecruz@meandi.eu www.meandi.eu

At Families Upon Thames, we are already planning our November/December issue, which will contain everything you need to know about the local Christmas Season, from where to see Santa to What’s On over the festive season.

The Pampered Chef Kitchen and Entertaining Contact Maria Hedley mariahedley@sky.com www.pamperedchef.biz/ mariahedley

JEWELLERY

Stella and Dot On Trend Jewellery Contact Charlotte Price charlotterattue@hotmail.com www.stelladot.co.uk/charlieprice Stella and Dot Boutique Style Jewellery Contact Tamara Rogers tamararogers@me.com www.stelladot.co.uk/tamararogers

Ann Summers Contact Yemi at: party@yemiannsummers.co.uk, or sales@yemiannsummers.co.uk www.yemiannsummers.co.uk

SKINCARE AND COSMETICS Arbonne International Botanical Health and Beauty Contact Carol Firth southeastsales@myarbonne.co.uk www.southeastsales.myarbonne.co.uk Forever Living Eczema, IBS, Tired?

Aloe Vera helps.

Contact Sabine Lohman sabine@beautyinsideout.eu www.beautyinsideout.eu

Nutrimetics Nutritional Skincare and Cosmetics Contact Jane Rieman janerieman@hotmail.com Nu Skin Revolutionary Wrinkle-Smoothing Phenomenon Daniel Norell at d@thenorells.com www.danielnorell@nsedreams.com

STATIONERY AND CARDS

Greeting Cards From Anna Greeting Cards and Stationery Contact Anna Dyson annadyson@hotmail.com www.greetingcardsfromanna.co.uk

A DRIVING EXPERIENCE Call Jackie on: 07787 828 808 www.kidzkarateparties.co.uk

For all those mums and Kidzparties55x40mm_AdJackie.indd 1 18/07/2012 dads out there who are wondering how to balance a career and being a parent, Mini Facial/Nails or Hair/Make Up this is also the issue for Sole use of beautiful clinic you: we will be taking in Teddington. an in-depth look at the various aspects of BYO food and music being a parent and 0208 943 9549 having a career.

Gorgeous Childrens Pamper Parties

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September-October 2012

LINGERIE

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31

what’s on EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

MON 3 SEP to FRI 28 SEP Pottery Café 10th Birthday Celebration 332 Richmond Road, East Twickenham TW1 2DU To celebrate the studio’s 10th birthday, there will be 10% off all pottery to paint between 3 and 28 September.

More info: 020 8744 3000 www.pottery-cafe.com STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE EVENTS 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4ST 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk MON 3 SEP Picture Printing Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Cost: £4.50 per participant.

For Ages: under 5s. Create a masterpiece with your child using simple printing techniques and designs inspired by Strawberry Hill.

SAT 22 SEP Open House Family Fun Time: 12.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost: Free.

Activities throughout the House from story-telling and dressing-up to portrait-making and exploring heraldry.

SUN 23 SEP Horace’s ‘Happy Birthday’ Tea Party Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Cost: Free (for those in costume).

Celebrate Horace’s 294th Birthday and dress as an 18th Century gentleman or lady for tea and cake in the garden.

Best costume wins prize.

FRI 7 SEP to SAT 8 SEP Free Entry to Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE. Time: 10.30am. to 6.00pm. Cost: Free.

Free entry to celebrate Heritage Open Day with a family trail available on arrival.

More info: 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk SAT 8 SEP Free Entry to Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.00am to 6.00pm. Cost: Free Claremont will be open for free in support of Heritage Open Day. More info: 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden Colourful Characters at Elmbridge Museum Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP Time: 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Cost: Child £1.50 From Henry VIII to John Lennon, Elmbridge has been home to many famous figures. You will be shown how to make a portrait head of one of the celebrated Elmbridge Hundred using mixed media.

More info: 01932 843 573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk FRI 14 SEP Teeney Weenies Friends & Family Day Udney Park Road, Teddington TW11 9BB Time: 10.00am. Cost: £2 per child.

Kids Play Café invite you to their new venue for great day of fun.

For Ages: 0-7 More info: 07940 348726 www.teeneyweenies.co.uk

CHILDREN’S PARTIES WITH A DIFFERENCE!

CHOICE OF FOUR SHOWS, PERFORMED IN YOUR LIVING ROOM, SCHOOL OR LOCAL HALL

tel 020 8394 2944 www.catsgrin.co.uk Give us a call to find out more!

32

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

SAT 22 SEP Pants in the Park at Battersea Park Battersea Park Time: Registration 10.45am.

Cost: Adult £10, Child (5-15) £5.

Pants in the Park is much more than a 5 km fun run (or walk or toddle or push of a pushchair), it’s a great family day out and a fantastic opportunity to decorate your pants and display them to the world. All funds raised go to Prostate Action to fund more research and education to beat prostate disease.

More info: 020 8394 7969 www.prostateaction.org.uk SAT 15 SEP Jubilee Great River Race Family Funday at Ham Riverside Ham Riverside behind Ham House Time: 12.30pm to 5.00pm. Cost: Free.

Over 300 boats complete a marathon row to arrive at Ham Riverside. Family fun area with bouncy castles, fun fair.

Live music, Punch & Judy, soft play area for under 4s, face painting and free river ferry from Richmond Riverside.

More info: 020 8398 8141 www.greatriverrace.co.uk info@thegreatriverrace.co.uk SUN 16 SEP Storytelling Event – Arabian Nights at Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 2.00pm. to 3.30pm.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

An enchanting story walk for all the family. Move through the follies and hear tales about Sinbad and Aladdin.

More info: 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk Yellow Umbrella Family Festival at Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick W4 5YA Time: 9.30pm. to 4.00pm.

Cost: £10 per person, £15 per family.

Run, walk or just come to enjoy the fun.

The festival is organised by Chiswick Park Enjoy-Work in aid of the children’s hospice, Shooting Star CHASE and will include a performance by the world’s premier Beatles tribute band.

More info: 020 8636 8080 www.yellowumbrelladay.com FRI 21 SEP & FRI 19 OCT Museum Monkeys at Chertsey Museum The Cedars, 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 9.30am. Cost: £4.50 per child.

For Ages: under 5s. Activities aimed at under 5s with parental involvement and advance booking required.

More info: 01932 565764 www.runnymede.gov.uk SAT 22 SEP Falconry Day at Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Time: 10.30am to 4.30pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

An opportunity to see a wide variety of birds of prey in the setting of an eighteenth century landscape garden.

More info: 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden Mini Model Railway Exhibition in Twickenham Twickenham Library, Garfield Road, TW1 3JT Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm. Cost: Free.

Twickenham Model Railway Club presents mini exhibition including the ’Old Tram Depot’ diorama; model building demonstrations and a Drive-ATrain designed especially to keep the children entertained.

More info: 0793 1371563 www.tdmrc.org.uk

SAT 22 & SUN 23 SEP Free Entry to Osterley Park Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 12.00pm to 4.30pm. Cost: Free.

Explore Osterley Park House and Garden for free as part of Open House London.

More info: 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park SAT 22 SEP to SAT 29 SEP Surbiton Festival A week of community events and activities for all the family with a Regatta, Grand Parade & Street Market.

More info: www.surbitonfestival.co.uk SAT 22 SEP & SAT 20 OCT Family Activities at Richmond Theatre The Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Cost: Free.

For Ages: 4+. Fun, free, family arts and crafts and storytelling with a different theme every month.

More info: 020 8332 4524 www.atgtickets.com SUN 23 SEP Reptile Awareness Day at Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 12.00pm. to 4.00pm.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

Discover fascinating facts as you come face to face with live British reptiles and amphibians.

More info: 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk SUN 30 SEP & SUN 28 OCT Family Discovery Days at Osterley Park Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 1.00pm to 4.30pm.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

Creative fun days for families with a different theme each month. Activities may include art, craft, storytelling or hands-on activities in the House and Garden.

More info: 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park SAT 6 OCT & SUN 7 OCT Tudor Cookery at Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU Cost: Free with normal admission.

Food archaeologists bring the kitchen to life with traditional recipes, ingredients and cooking methods to prepare feasts fit for a king.

More info: 084 4482 7777 www.hrp.org.uk SUN 7 OCT Lucky Dip Disco at Riverhouse Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Time: 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Cost: £4 per ticket.

For Ages: under 7s. Retro disco for children and their families to have fun dancing and playing games together.

Lucky dip of nostalgic childrens’ records and classic dance music from the 1920s to the 2010s.

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk September-October 2012

what’s on SAT 13 OCT Build Your Own House at Elmbridge Museum Church Street, Weybridge KT13 8DP Time: 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Cost: Child £1.50.

Be an architect for the afternoon and construct your own scale model of a building.

More info: 01932 843 573 www.elmbridge.gov.uk Home Grown at Ham House Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 11.00am to 4.30pm. Cost: Free with normal admission.

Fun food event, highlighting the potential for home grown and seasonal produce. Cookery demonstrations, tours of the 17th Century kitchen garden, family activities and stalls selling local produce.

More info: 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

AUTUMN HALF TERM AND HALLOWEEN

FRI 26 OCT to 4 NOV It’s All Hocus Pocus at Chessington World of Adventures Leatherhead Road, Chessington Spooky Halloween fun! Join in the atmosphere by donning your best Halloween costumes for fancy dress and take part in Trick or Treat – If you dare!

More info: 0871 663 4477 www.chessington.com SAT 27 OCT to SUN 4 NOV Halloween Half Term at Claremont Landscape Garden Portsmouth Road, Esher KT10 9JG Free activities including daily Children’s Halloween Trail (free entry for children in costume), Pumpkin Carving Mon 11am to 1pm, Halloween Craft Workshops, Tues to Fri 11am to 1pm, Halloween Storytelling Wed 4pm to 5pm, Halloween Dress Up & Spooky Walk Wed 4pm to 6pm.

More info: 01372 467806 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremontlandscape-garden SAT 27 OCTOBER Dusty Does Halloween Disco in Twickenham The Winning Post Function Room, Chertsey Road, Twickenham TW2 6LS Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Cost: Adult £3.00, Child £6.00.

Join Dusty with your little devils for a spooky afternoon of : Live DJ, Lights, bubbles, competitions and dance tuition from the Disco Dollies.

More info: 07980 641380 www.dustydoesdisco.co.uk SAT 27 OCT to 4 NOV Wizards & Witches Week at Bocketts Farm Young Street, Fetcham KT22 9BS Time: 10am to 5pm.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

Enjoy a Spooktacular day out: Reptile Roadshow, hundreds of pumpkins, Wizards & Witches Trail, Creepy crafts plus animal handling, goat milking, tractor rides, pony rides and pig racing every day.

More info: 01372 363764 www.bockettsfarm.co.uk SAT 27 OCT to FRI 2 NOV Halloween Adventures at Painshill Park Portsmouth Road, Cobham KT11 1JE Time: 2 hour sessions all day.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

Dress up in your spookiest costume and join us for a Halloween 2 hour adventure.

More info: 01932 868113 www.painshill.co.uk SAT 27 OCT to SUN 28 OCT Pumpkin Festival at Osterley Park Jersey Road, Isleworth TW7 4RB Time: 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

Cost: Free with normal admission.

Pumpkin themed fun in the Walled Garden including tastings, carvings, talks and and games. Ending in the storytelling of the ‘Great Pumpkin Story’ Come dressed up and get a trick or treat!

More info: 020 8232 5050 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park kelly.wood@nationaltrust.org.uk MON 29 OCT to THU 1 NOV Family Ghost Tours at Ham House Ham Street, Ham, TW10 7RS Time: 11.15am to 12.15pm.

Cost: Adult £8.50, Child £6.50.

Guided tour for families discovering the stories of former residents who have never left. Join us to hear about the ghosts of Ham House.

More info: 020 8940 1950 www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WIZARDS AND WITCHES WEEK ENJOY A

: DON’T MMISICSE,

MEET THE ERS ID SNAKES, SP & LIZARDS!

› Reptile Roadshow!

Monday - Friday only

› Hundreds of pumpkins! › Wizards & Witches Trail! › Creepy crafts!

PLUS Animal handling, Goat milking, Tractor Rides, Pony Rides and Pig Racing EVERYDAY!

www.bockettsfarm.co.uk

✃

SPECIAL

OFFER

£1 per person off full price farm entry (max 5 people) valid from 1st September - 28th October 2012. Only with this voucher.

September-October2012

MON 29 OCT & WED 31 OCT The Big Draw at the Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 10.30pm to 12.30pm.

Cost: £2 donation. For Ages: up to 10.

Practice your drawing skills at the Landmark and map out a journey through song, music and dance.

More info: 020 8977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org WED 31 OCT Halloween Party at the Medicine Garden Downside Road, Cobham KT11 3LU Time: 4.00pm to 7.00pm.

Cost: £4.00 per adult.

Enjoy face painting, music and food in the walled garden and don’t forget to bring along a spooky pumpkin to enter our competition More info: 01932 589536 www.themedicinegarden.com Halloween Spooky Tours for Kids at Strawberry Hill House 268 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham TW1 4ST Time: 6.30pm.

Cost: £5.00 per participant.

Dress up in costume and be taken on a tour of the House at this super-spooky time of the day.

More info: 020 8744 1241 www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk Halloween Workshop at Riverhouse Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Cost: £15 (£2.50 for afternoon tea).

For ages: 7-12. Riverhouse opens its doors to everything spooky, yucky, gruesome and scary! Throughout the day you will create ghoulish garlands, petrifying piñatas, beasty bunting

and freaky food for a final terrifying tea party from 4-5pm. Packed lunch required.

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk Mask Making at Chertsey Museum 33 Windsor Street, Chertsey KT16 8AT Time: 11.00am to 12.30pm or 2.00pm to 3.30pm. Cost: £4.50 per child.

For Ages: 5-12. Advance booking required.

More info: 01932 565764 www.runnymede.gov.uk SAT 3 NOV Family Day & Firework Spectacular at Ascot Ascot Racecourse, SL5 7JX Time: 2pm to 7pm.

Cost: £18 per person.

Ascot’s first meeting of new Jumps season will be a Family Fun Day featuring fairground rides that are open all day on the plaza lawns. After the racing action, Ascot presents a firework spectacular!

More info: 087 0727 1234 www.ascot.co.uk

SHOWTIME

THU 6 SEP to SUN 9 SEP Cirque Du Ciels’ Shanghi at Rose Theatre 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL Cost: £8.00 - £26.00. For: all ages.

The most exciting family entertainment of the year. Electrifying performances by over 30 performers including acrobatics, street dance routines, ballet, aerial displays of strength and skill.

More info: 08444 821 556 www.rosetheatrekingston.org

Have fun at the farm this Halloween!

Bocketts Farm Park 27th Oct - 4th Nov

SPOOKTACULAR DAY OUT:

SAT 27 OCT to SUN 4 NOV Halloween Adventures at Hounslow Urban Farm Faggs Lane, Feltham TW14 0LZ Time: 6pm onwards Cost: Free with normal admission.

Pumpkin carving, spooky animal encounters, bonfire, marshmallow roasting and scarecrow making down on the farm.

More info: 020 8831 9658 www.tropicalzoo.org

Spooky animal encounters, pumpkin carving, scarecrow making, marshmallow roasting, & a bonfire!

Normal admission prices apply

day EvERy from er to 27 Oc tob ber 4 Novem ds ar 6pm onw

Hounslow Urban Farm Faggs Road, Feltham TW14 0LZ Phone: 020 8831 9658

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

33

what’s on Classifieds

“The Best Party Magic” Over 25 years of top entertainment

The most amazing magic, plus balloon models, games, party bags… and Harry the white rabbit!

Tim Barnes

(020) 8568 5706Ecole 244 tim@timbarnes.biz Ma Petite 27/7/10 www.timbarnes.biz Member of The Magic Circle

FRENCH CLASSES 2 - ADULT

MON-SAT

ESHER 020 8224 5672

Pilates in Twickenham Bumps, Babies, Beginners welcome

www.performpilates.co.uk

Unique home baked cupcake gift boxes, personalised on request. Next day delivery to your door anywhere in the UK! New Babies, Birthdays, Father’s Day.

Bake and decorate cupcakes at our Cupcake parties!

For kids age 7 upwards.

2.5 hour party in your home and tailored to your requirements! £15.00 per child (minimum 6 children) All materials and sugar craft tuition provided! www.forgoodnesscake.co.uk 0845 838 0576 danielle@forgoodnesscake.co.uk

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WED 12 SEP to SAT 15 SEP Great Expections at Richmond Theatre The Green, RICHMOND TW9 1QJ Cost: £10.00 - £35.00.This lavish, spectacular and unashamedly theatrical show brings some of the most memorable characters ever created to life. The beautiful, chilling Estella, the terrifying convict Magwitch, the manipulative lawyer Jaggers, the tragic, mysterious Miss Havisham and Pip with his ‘great expectations’.

More info: 0844 871 7651 www.atgtickets.com

SAT 8 SEP Grease - Open Air Cinema at Kew Gardens Kew Gardens, TW9 4DA Time: 6.30pm, Film 7.30pm.

Cost: Adults £16, Children 6-16 £12.

Calling all T-birds and Pink Ladies, the perfect family film is coming to Kew, with classic songs, Summer Loving, Greased Lightening and You’re The One That I Want.

More info: www.thelunacinema.com

TUE 30 OCT Babar The Little Elephant at the Landmark Arts Centre Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN Time: 2.00pm. Cost: £5, under 2 free.

For Ages: up to 8.

Big Mouth Piano Tales perform this classic story which tells how Babar the little elephant escapes a hunter & goes to live with an old lady.

More info: 020 8977 7558 www.landmarkartscentre.org

POLKA THEATRE, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 1SB More info: 020 8543 4888 www.polkatheatre.com FRI 28 SEP to SUN 27 OCT Sticking Stones Cost: £12. For Ages: 9-13.

As events fly out of control, a group of friends are caught in the middle. This thought-provoking new play explores the impact upon young people of last summer’s riots and what it means to grow up in the UK today.

SAT 29 SEP to 5 OCT Little Sunshine, Little Rain Cost: £10. For Ages: 3-7.

Blending Japanese folklore with traditional music and dance, this celebration of the beauty and simplicity of Japanese culture is perfect for an early years’ audience.

SAT 6 OCT Head in the Clouds Cost: £10. For Ages: 3-7.

A gentle and entertaining performance using hand puppets and live music to create an amusing adventure of the imagination.

WED 17 OCT to SAT 16 FEB Too Many Penguins Cost: £10. For Ages: 3-4.

How many penguins are too many? Polar bear thinks one is more than enough, but Penguin has other ideas, Squeeze into this fun theatrical experience and find out just how many penguins can get into one space!

Toddler version on certain dates.

TUE 30 OCT to 10 NOV Red Riding Hood Cost: £12. For Ages: 4-7.

Once upon a time there was a young girl who went to spend the night at her Grandma’s house and her little brother came too! Join the intrepid twosome on a night to remember in Olivier award-winning writer, Mike Kenny’s, brand new adaptation.

FOR PARENTS

SAT 13 OCT Forest of Fables at Riverhouse Arts Centre Manor Road, Walton KT12 2PF Time: 2.00pm.

Cost: £8/£6 (carpet seat). For Ages: 4+. Mime, puppets, limited dialogue and live music to engage young audiences.

More info: 01932 253354 www.riverhousebarn.co.uk

LOLLIPOP CLUB PLAY CENTRE

187 Kew Road, Richmond

Hire the club exclusively or book a table for your party!

All food, drinks, birthday cake and party bags included!

Play equipment suitable for kids age 6 months to 6 years

BOOK YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY NOW!

Call 020 8332 7436 or email marisouter@hotmail.co.uk www.lollipopclub.co.uk

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

SAT 15 SEP Daisy Birthing Couples Workshop Perseverance Clinic, Richmond, TW9 2PP Time: 1.30pm. Cost: £95 per couple (£80 for class members) Booking Essential THURS 20 SEP (ongoing for 6 weeks) Daisy Birthing ClasseS Perseverance Clinic, Richmond, TW9 2PP Time: 7.45pm Cost: £72 for 6 week course 07779 991406 georgina@lazydaisybirthing.co.uk Booking Essential WED 3 OCT The Big Business-Get-Ready in Twickenham 150 London Rd, Twickenham TW1 1HD Time: 9.30am to 2.30pm. Cost: £45 (Exhibition Free) Everything you need to kick start your business. Many women think about starting a business as a flexible option. Get started now. Meet over 35 solopreneurs, mumpreneurs, free-lancers and business owners. Meet, learn and share with other people thinking about starting up. Interactive break-out sessions and stands with business support services.

More info: 0782 431 1475 www.bigbusinessgetready.co.uk Nearly New Sales Buy and sell good quality baby and children’s clothes, toys and equipment, plus maternity wear, books and much more.

SAT 10 SEP in Kew, The Barn Church, Atwood Ave, Kew TW9 4HF Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm. Cost: £2 donation www.nct.org.uk SAT 22 SEP in Teddington, Teddington Baptist Church, Church Rd, Teddington TW11 8PF Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Cost: £2.

More info: www.mum2mummarket.co.uk SAT 29 SEP in Twickenham, All Hallows Church, Erncroft Way, TW1 1EW Time: 10.00am to 11.30am. Cost: £1.50. www.nct.org.uk More info: 0844 243 6304 SAT 24 NOV in Staines, St Peters’ Church Hall, Staines TW18 2DX Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Cost: Adult £1, Children free.

More info: 07931 617339 www.nct.org.uk

Dusty Does Disco

Halloween Fancy Dress Disco Join us with your little devils for a family afternoon of spooky fun!

Sunday 21st October - Ealing Saturday 27th - Twickenham

www.dustydoesdisco.co.uk September-October 2012

FREE Exhibition Workshops & Talks 25 fantastic stands

12 inspiring speakers

Approved football training for kids aged 18 months to 7 years

Are you ready to get your business going?

Kingston 020 8286 6038

3 Oct 2012, Twickenham rd

Richmond 020 3092 1313

especially for women Free entry Free on-site parking Booking essential

Weybridge 01932 847439 www.littlekickers.co.uk

Where learning’s a ball

www.bigbusinessgetready.co.uk DON’T MISS OUT! We have launched a new weekly e-bulletin with340 allKingston theKickers most up Ad.indd to date1 Little May11.indd LK Families information about What’s On locally for families in the coming week.

It’s so easy to SUBSCRIBE, just go to www.facebook.com/familiesuponthames or register with us online at www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

23/04/2011 09:40 4/12/09 14:47:05

Fun WithMusic!

Music!

Fun With

In Central CentralRichmond Richmond In Music Classes for for Music Classes Music Classes for 1-5 Year Olds 1-5 Year Olds 1-5 Year Olds For For more information, more information call: call:

For more information, call:

020-8332-2275 020-8332-2275

020-8332-2275 www.christinasfunwithmusic.co.uk

September-October 2012

www.familiesuponthames.co.uk

35

Saturday 3rd NOVEMBEr

FAMILY FUN

with a day full Of SupErB JuMpS raciNg

LOOK TO THE SKIES

fOr a firEwOrkS SpEctacular aftEr raciNg

KIDS GO FREE

ENtErtaiNMENt thrOughOut thE day Tickets from £18 per person Fine dining available 0844 346 3000 ascot.co.uk 03800299_Fireworks_Night_Family_Magazine_Ad_130x180mm_L_v2.indd 1

Enrolling NOW for our new term.

06/08/2012 16:58

Come along to a free INTRODUCTORY SESSION and see how much FUN your kids can have while growing their skills and confidence.

At The Little Gym®, we offfer a non-competitive, progressive approach to our developmental classes which enable children to reach their greatest potential. Children aged from 4 months to 12 years learn at an age appropriate pace through our structured gymnastics classes which build confidence during each stage of their childhood. All this while they are just having loads of FUN with our friendly team tea of instructors. That’s what we call Serious FUN! Come along and see......

We also do great birthday parties and holiday camps for all ages Book your free introductory visit NOW and secure your place. Enrolment available throughout the year.

www.thelittlegym.co.uk Hampton & Teddington 98-102 High Street Hampton Hill  TW12 1NY 0208 977 0099 hampton_teddington@thelittlegym.co.uk

Wandsworth & Fulham Compass House, Riverside West SW18 1DB, Wandsworth 0208 874 6567 wandsworth_fulham@thelittlegym.co.uk

Families upon Thames is designed by Sarah Harmer and printed by Warners, in Lincolnshire. Copyright, Families upon Thames magazine 2012. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liabilty for loss or damage. Families upon Thames is part of the Families Group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under liscense. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.